2011 Torrin "The Maven" Paso Robles Grenache

Starting with the 2011 The Maven, this blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah (this cuvee is moving toward more and more Grenache) spent 18 months in 30% new 500-Liter, French oak barrels prior to bottling. It offers classy, savory and seamless texture to go with plenty of kirsch, Turkish spice, ground herbs and baking spices on the nose. A medium to full-bodied effort, it opens up nicely in the glass, has solid mid-palate depth and chewy tannin that comes through on the finish. Give it another year or two in the cellar, and it will impress through 2023. (JD)