2017 Bésoleil
49% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, 11% Counoise and 6% Syrah
Regular price $108.00The name Bésoleil is a marriage of a Spanish word and a French word meaning kissed by the sun; Beso and Soleil! It speaks to our long-held conviction that a profound expression of Grenache (and its Southern Rhone brethren) can emerge from Washington's precise marriage of sun and soil. Modeled after Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the classic French Grenache-based gem, it is immediately enticing, richly scented, and seductively textured.
Wine Specifications
- Vintage: 2017
- Varietal: 49% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, 11% Counoise and 6% Syrah
- Appellation: Columbia Valley
- Aging: 20% Whole Cluster Inclusion.
- Alcohol: 13.8%
- Region: Washington
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Tasting Notes
The 2017 Bésoleil manages to nimbly walk a tightrope between power and elegance. The brilliant ruby color promises the aromatic fireworks to follow; strawberry preserves, pomegranate and red raspberries, white and black pepper, freshly ground nutmeg, rose petals and potpurri. The silky palate expands into orange rind and hibiscus. Although supple and layered, there is bright acidity throughout that maintains both focus and freshness. The finish is lively and lengthy with pronounced mineral and dried herb notes. Delightful now, Bésoleil will continue to gain breadth and nuance over the next 7-10 years.
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Acclaim
"The Southern Rhône blend of the estate, the 2017 Besoleil is always bottled relatively early. A blend of 49% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, and the rest Counoise and Syrah that’s mostly from the Yakima Valley, it was fermented with 20% stems and brought up all in barrel. It’s a medium to full-bodied, layered, downright pretty Rhône blend that has complex notes of red fruits, white pepper, herbes de Provence, tapenade, and some meaty notes. It’s perfectly balanced and loaded with character." 92 pts - Jeb Dunnuck
