The 2012 Grenache Ballard Canyon (80 cases) incorporated 5% Syrah and was aged all in neutral French oak barrels. Seeing around 12% whole clusters, it has a purple/semi-opaque color to go with perfumed notes of plum pit, blackberry, spring flowers and licorice. Youthful and lively, with a medium to full-bodied, voluptuous style, it stays fresh and clean through the finish, and has loads of character. It should be better in another year or so, and have upward of a decade of longevity. This was my first experience with these wines, and I was blown away. Owned by Bill and Nancy Kimsey and located in the newly created Ballard Canyon AVA, the wines are made by incredibly talented Matt Dees, who’s also the driving force at Jonata. They’re not cheap, but the quality is certainly there, and these well-worth checking out.