Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
Produced: 2011-present
Professional reviews and tasting notes from prior vintages added as published. Scores within parentheses indicate barrel samples:
2021 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
100 Points
Stony, salty and very savory, this stunning Grenache is one of the great wines that I have tasted over the past year —and is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. Coming from this very tightly-spaced site set on cobblestones... this nose can only be from one place in the world. Seaweed, wet gravel, anise, bacon fat and menthol notes all combine with pure pomegranate and red cherry fruits on the nose. The palate is extremely stony and salty, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Finishing long, this memorable effort with serious nerve is already drinking beautifully now — but will cellar well over the next eight plus years. —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
95 Points
Planted in super tight 3-foot by 3-foot spacing, the vineyard needs horses to pull the plows for tilling. The wine is fermented with a majority of stems included and aged in neutral barrels. Intense earthy, savory, mossy aromas lead to meaty, peppery flavors and a nervy, rather tannic texture. Very distinctive. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best from 2028. —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
2020 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
100 Points
… a truly one-of-a-kind bottling… layers of seaweed and Hoisin sauce fill the glass, with smoldering stones, red cherry candy and shades of kumquat zest… the palate revels in a very bold style of stony Grenache… layers of salted charcuterie, Kalamata olives, asphalt, guava puree and salted Linzer torte all seamlessly come together on the palate. Very clean, salty and stony, this is a generous and fleshy 2020 masterpiece by director of winemaking Elizabeth Bourcier. Savor this beauty now and over the next eight years… grab this while you can. —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
98 Points, Editor's Choice
Picture Al Green singing "Take me to the Rhône River." Dazzling aromas of lavender-packed garrigue, the fresh saline of a sea breeze, bacon fat and blackberries make one weak in the knees. Dark raspberry and blood orange fruit flavors are joined by espresso and a trace of olive oil and grilled eggplant. —Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast
98 Points, Editor's Choice
The fascinating and exuberant 2020 Sur Echalas Vineyard Grenache from Horsepower showcases a medium to dark purple and ruby core with a silvery rim in the glass. Aromas bounce from the glass - think notes of wet earth, umami, crushed macerated red cherries, and blood orange essence. It has an interesting meaty quality to it that is quite intriguing. Gliding across the tongue with no rough edges at all, it ends silky smooth with ample acidity and a lovely earth and spice-driven finish. Just a small production of 300 cases were made. Highly recommended and Editor’s Choice. —Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
96 Points
Rose petals, wild strawberries, red tea, licorice and hints of cinnamon stick on the nose. Peach skins, pink peppercorns and negroni, too. It’s vibrant and pure with beautiful pink fruit, accompanied by tight, sleek tannins. So elegant, silky and fresh. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
94 Points
The 2020 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard wafts up with a mentholated freshness, mixing crushed wild berries and exotic spices with savory sage and ashen stone aromas. This is round and supple, displaying ample weight yet also balance, with a pepper mix of woodland berries and spiced citrus. Juicy acidity maintains a lovely freshness as the 2020 finishes pleasantly chewy yet still fresh with silty tannins. —Eric Guido, Vinous
94 Points
Revealing a translucent ruby hue, the 2020 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard has a complex bouquet of earthy red and black fruits, cold fireplace, rose petals, and charcoal, with an incredibly meaty, gamey style that develops beautifully with air. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has fine tannins, a lively, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. I don't think it matches the 2019, but it's clearly a beautiful, elegant, classic 2020 with tons to love. It should evolve for 10-15 years.—Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
2019 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
98 Points
The 2019 Sur Echalas Grenache is an utterly sensational new wine that screams terroir. Made from a tightly spaced vineyard, it shows off green peppercorns, nori, pomegranate seed, guava, satsuma zest, freshly tilled earth and stony undertones. The palate is plush with a soft texture and an incredible sense of tension. Layers of very delicate red fruits collide with stony minerals, blood orange zest and green olive tapenade. Utterly sensational to savor right now, this has another decade or more ahead of it. —Owen Bargreen, vinous.com
96 Points
Planted as a high-density vineyard with a three-foot by three-foot spacing, the 2019 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is red-fruited, savory, dusty and floral with an expressive, bright sanguine note and showcases hints of white peppercorn and iodine on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers flavors of dusty cherry skin with wild raspberries before notions of umami and worn leather sway with delightful hints of smoked herbs and dried earth. The impressive wine glides to a fantastically juicy and balanced finish that has me smitten and coming back for more. —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
96 Points
Aromas of wet stones, dried rose petals and sour cherries. Full-bodied with exhilarating acidity. Soft, fine tannins. Coffee mixes with ground spice and herbs. Complex and focused. Very well balanced and will age very nicely. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
96 Points
Similarly hued, the translucent ruby/plum-hued 2019 Sur Echalas Grenache ratchets up the savory, meaty dial to 11 and has lots of red and black fruits, an incredibly meaty, beef tartare-like character, medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and complex notes of truffly earth, leather, dried pepper, and shitake mushrooms. Always complex, layered, and singular, the 2019 certainly doesn't disappoint. —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
96 Points
Another fantastic release from Horsepower in this vintage. It opens with a stunning aromatic profile that includes ripe blackberries and raspberries woven together with spices, cured meats, floral, sweet spices and earthy nuances all coming together. This continues to impress with its elegance and beautiful round texture along with its striking overall purity and finesse... This is already offering plenty of early appeal, and it should continue to evolve and take on even more complexity over time. —Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
95 Points
Fruit for this wine was grown on stakes with the cobblestone soils plowed by horse. The aromas are gifted with notes of potpourri, raspberry, black olive, white pepper and herb. Pillowy soft red fruit follows, flavorful but reserved ramping up in intensity significantly with time open. Savory notes emerge. There's an impressive, minute-plus long finish. It's outrageously good—one of the standouts of the vintage. It only gets better the longer its open. Best after 2026. —Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
95 Points
Impressive for its bold expression yet elegant complexity, this red explodes with raspberry, smoky bacon, garrigue, crushed stone and black olive flavors that soar on the rich and polished finish. Drink now through 2032. —Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
2018 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
100 Points
The 2018 Sur Echalas Grenache is a blockbuster wine that shows complexity impossible to attain in North America. Undergoing nearly all whole cluster fermentation, the Grenache was then stored entirely in used demi-muids prior to bottling. Right away a dusting of white pepper and Umami tones deftly combine with shades of green olive tapenade, wet stones, guava puree and Linzer torte. The sense of finesse and tension in the wine is nothing short of impeccable. The wine is utterly seamless. Layers of ripe red currants and cranberries, deftly combine with suggestions of bulls blood, rose water and pomegranate seed flavors. As you dig in, more notes Nori emerge with green peppercorns, Mandarin orange zest, black truffle shavings, salted charcuterie, damp stones and wild blackberry compote. I have yet to find a wine this year that offers this degree of flavor complexity. Quite simply, the 2018 Sur Echalas Vineyard Grenache is a monumental wine from this vintage that is drinking magically now and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next decade. —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
96+ Points
Exploding from the glass with elements of white peppercorn, spiced potpourri, black raspberry, dusty leather and cherry compote, the 2018 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard offers elegant earth tones of cedar, cigar box and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses a fantastic mineral tension with a soft stemmy essence that sways with exotic red and purple flowers, baked clay and freshly crushed peppercorn. The wine lingers with persistence over the elongated finish, offering notes of graphite and bitter black tea… With the beautiful lineup of Syrahs, Horsepower Vineyards is quickly becoming known for another powerhouse Rhône variety: Grenache —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
96+ Points
There are two Grenache cuvées under the Horsepower label, both single vineyards. Starting with the 2018 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard, it has a deeper ruby/plum color as well as a spectacular nose of ripe cherry and strawberry fruits intermixed with lots of white pepper, dried flowers, orange blossom, and sandalwood. With medium to full-bodied richness, firm tannins, and beautiful depth of fruit on the palate, it might be the closest thing to Rayas that I've tasted, from anywhere. It remains to be seen if this can evolve into the same category at maturity, but no kidding around, this is a beautiful, elegant, seamless Grenache... —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
95 Points
Coming from a vineyard planted at high density with the vines on stakes, it's an aromatic tour de force, with notes of crushed rock, stem, black and green olive, peat, potpourri, soot and grilled asparagus. Palate-coating, rich but still light-on-their-feet savory flavors follow, with impressive structure behind it all. A crazy long flower- and olive-filled finish only ups the appeal of this completely captivating offering. Give it some time in the cellar to see it at its best. —Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
2017 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
99 Points
The intoxicating bouquet catches you off-guard. Layers of guava puree and red cherry starburst candy combine with horse manure, green peppercorns and cigar ash with potpourri and salted meats. The aromatic range is just insanely good. Once on the mouth, the ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache offers a pillowy texture that borders on ethereal. The finesse and beautiful tension runs through the core of bright red fruits that dance with kumquat zest, cigar box, white pepper and salted prosciutto ham on the palate. While quite big on the mouth, the weightless quality of the wine is superlative. A monumental wine that is amongst the best of its kind in North America, the 2017 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
97 Points
Power and elegance. The 2017 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard bangs with bright red fruit character with fantastic clarity and a pure sense of underlying terroir at its core. Intoxicating floral aromas of Sakura, crushed rose petals and hints of lavender flood the senses first, followed by layers of wild strawberries, bright cherry skin and crushed raspberries in the glass. It is medium-bodied on the palate, with delicate savory and spice tones that fade in and out between the seductive red fruit and floral notes, giving way to an impeccably balanced structure with energetic acidity and a robust shine and gleam to the fruit. An instant success, the palate is full of flavor and mouth-watering juiciness without being overripe. Immensely pleasureful, the wine delivers an elongated yet compact finish that continues to evolve and unpack in the mouth with persistence. Hands-down, it's a winner! —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
97 Points
…This beauty is the spitting image of a great vintage of Rayas and offers a complex bouquet of black raspberries, white pepper, spring flowers, and sappy herbs. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied, ethereal Grenache that has a light, graceful texture, silky tannins, and a great finish. It shows the more elegant, almost Pinot Noir-like style of Grenache on the palate and is flawlessly balanced. Just a singular, remarkable wine… —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
94 Points
The aromas of dried strawberries and cloves are really pretty. It’s full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that frame a balance of harmonious, ripe fruit. Touch of bitterness on the finish. Extremely long and thoughtful here. —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
94 Points
Dynamic yet refined, featuring a brooding core of dark blueberry fruit, surrounded by rich raspberry, bacon fat and slate accents that build tension toward medium-bodied tannins. Drink now through 2028. —Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
2016 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
97 Points
Szechuan pepper, gun powder, strawberries, raspberries, and salted meats (an incredible mix of sweet and sour), the 2016 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, silky texture, tons of savory, meaty characteristics, and a great finish. It’s a singular, exotic, beautifully complete Grenache that has a touch of Burgundy in its layered, gorgeous style. —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
96 Points
Wow—now this is a seductive Grenache! The 2016 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard has power and elegance with dark red chewy fruit that has an underlying dustiness to the core. The nose reveals a sleeping giant with a multitude of expressions ready at a moment's notice. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine is eerily soft but jam-packed with dusty sweet strawberries, raspberries wrapped in red flower petals and a smoky flavor that fades in and out throughout the mid-palate. It brings immense pleasure... The wine is sumptuous, plush and mineral-driven, lingering long on the finish with a hint of reduction and secondary flavors of soft, worn leather, black tea and black spice. This is an impressive Grenache. I think I am entirely smitten... —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
94 Points
Distinctive, yet well-knit and sleek, with boldly expressive cherry and blueberry flavors, accented by black olive, bacon fat and crushed stone. Drink now through 2026. —Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
2015 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
98 Points
...stunning, wafting from the glass with a captivating bouquet that features floral top notes of roses and peony, savory nuances of rich coniferous forest floor and bouillon, overlaying a sapid base of ripe cherry and strawberry. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, immensely intense and mouthwateringly savory, with incredible complexity and stony depth. The finish is long and saline... –William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
97 Points
The aromas are haunting, with notes of white and black pepper, peat, potpourri, green olive, orange blossom, grilled asparagus and smoked meat. The palate shows incredible texture and detail, but the story here is truly the finish—a full minute-plus investment worth every thrilling moment. It's hard to tell exactly when it stops. A complete mind- and palate-bending stunner—one of the defining wines of the vintage. Best from 2020–2030. –Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
94 Points
...This has complex notes of raspberry, cold ash and bay leaf. Rounded and juicy, with appealing ripe strawberry notes among the oregano and bay. There's a touch of greenness on the finish, but this has complexity and interest. —Matt Walls, Decanter
2014 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
99 Points
Reminding me of a hypothetical mix of blood and herbs (blood sausage?), with notes of earth, mushrooms, rose petal and strawberries, the 2014 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is full-bodied, exotic and seamless, with building tannin and a gorgeous saltiness on the finish. Like these latest 2014s, it opens up with time in the glass, has a layered, elegant and incredibly long finish, and perfectly polished tannin. It's not Rayas, it's not Chateauneuf du Pape, it's an incredible, singular wine that stands on its own. –Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate
94 Points
Expressive and distinctive, with smoky meat, raspberry and garrigue aromas and gracefully complex cherry, olive and crushed stone flavors that linger toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2023. 202 cases made. –Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
2013 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
95 Points
…sports a transparent ruby color to go with classic Grenache notes of wild strawberries, peppery herbs, licorice, hints of iron and good minerality that comes out more on the finish. Similar in style to the 2012, with a savory edge, this medium to full-bodied beauty has fine tannin, a supple, sexy texture and a great finish. It should hit prime time around age 4-6 and drink nicely through 2028. –Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate
94 Points
Deep and expressive, offering rose petal-accented cherry, blackberry, roasted lamb and black olive flavors that float over a richly textured, open-weave structure. Finishes long and vibrant. Drink now through 2021. 207 cases made. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator
2012 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
(97-99 Points)
The 2012 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is Rayas like in its kirsch, green herbs, rose petal, flowers and assorted spices. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, yet also graceful and light on its feet, this incredible effort flirts with perfection and should have 15-20 years of longevity. –Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate
96 Points
Dark, dense and focused, yet surprisingly light-footed, layering chalk and wet rock minerality through the ripe and meaty cherry and clotted cream flavors. Complex and inviting, this is long as a midsummer day. Drink now through 2025. 203 cases made. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator
94? Points
Moderately saturated medium red. Mesmerizing aromas of raspberry, peony, garrigue, smoke and earth; would anyone not pick this blind as a French wine? Dry, saline and superconcentrated, with raspberry and earth flavors conveying superb penetration and energy. Finishes with big, dusty tannins and outstanding length and spicy lift. A great American Grenache. –Steven Tanzer, Vinous
2011 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard
97 Points
The 2011 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is a sensational blend of 100% Grenache that comes all from a vineyard located just to the west of Cayuse’s Armada Vineyard. Planted to 4,840 vines per acre, it’s farmed completely by horse. Showing every bit as well from bottle as from barrel, it offers up layers of pepper, smoked herbs, gunpowder and black fruits to go with a deep, structured style on the palate. Incredibly concentrated, especially in the vintage, it has a gracefully, balanced feel before firming up substantially on the finish. Give this beauty 2-3 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following decade. Unfortunately, there are only 131 cases of it to go around, so if you get the opportunity to grab some bottles, don’t miss it. –Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate