Drink Now: Cowhorn 2010 Grenache 58

Located in Oregon’s Applegate Valley, Cowhorn Vineyards and Gardens proudly produce Biodynamic, Rhone style wines. Since 2006, Cowhorn has been Demeter certified Biodynamic and Stellar certified organic. Owners Bill and Barbara Steele believe the certifications are important for two reasons: 1. The certification on the labels lets consumers know that what they are drinking has been produced following a strict set of guidelines – guidelines that can be verified by an independent third party, the Demeter Association. 2. They truly love being a part of a movement that supports the Earth.

Taken from their website:

“There must be a Creator and she loves art!  Why else would the Earth be so beautiful? The Earth is also powerful and diverse; complicated, forgiving and patient; wise.  She buries our mistakes, grows our successes; endlessly challenges our creativity and ability, always rewards us with vision and beauty! The extraordinary intellect of the mind is matched by the extraordinary complexity of the Earth. We can protect the Earth by creating spaces that let its energies expand and flourish. The Earth needs strong spaces to balance those parts that have been weakened.”

If Mother Earth respects the Steele’s as much as the Steele’s respect Mother Earth, She is clearly repaying them with the gift of beautiful fruit from the vines; I have yet to sample a Cowhorn wine that is anything less than spectacular.

Cowhorn 2010 Grenache 58: Dark cherries and fresh raspberries on the nose flow through to the palate with additional cocoa flavors and a hint of spice. Extremely well balanced, this Grenache has super smooth tannins and a velvety mouthfeel which together create a beautiful finish. Although this has the ability to age, this is so incredibly enjoyable right now, there’s no reason to hold on to it – sip and savor. Only 140 cases of this beauty were produced.