Clif Family Winery

Mendocino Grenache

8.841 ratings
8.66 pro ratings
Mendocino, North Coast, California, USA
Grenache
Chocolate & Caramel, Herbs, Soft Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Turkey, Pasta, Mushrooms, Veal, Tomato-Based, Chicken, Exotic Spices, Potato, White Rice, Duck, Nuts & Seeds, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Asian Cuisine, Salads & Greens, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, Quinoa
Top Notes For
Cameron Parry

Bright and lively. Good touch of spice.

Bright and lively. Good touch of spice.

Oct 7th, 2019
Heather Friedland

This is surprisingly delicious, a great light but tasty red to enjoy with friends over a special dinner.

This is surprisingly delicious, a great light but tasty red to enjoy with friends over a special dinner.

1 person found it helpfulMar 4th, 2018
Jeff Kiefer

Drinks like a Pinot.

Drinks like a Pinot.

1 person found it helpfulOct 25th, 2017
dan boedeker

A bit of heat on the nose with raspberry and cherry. Medium plus acidity. A good wine, but alcohol burn brings it out of balance.

A bit of heat on the nose with raspberry and cherry. Medium plus acidity. A good wine, but alcohol burn brings it out of balance.

1 person found it helpfulMay 4th, 2017
Eric Ritvo

Unexpectedly tasty. I wouldn't buy and hold it. I would buy and drink it. Decanting will certainly help. Paired it with a spicy (paprika,pepper,salt,mustard) dry rubbed steak and a chimichurri dry rubbed steak. Worked well. Will buy again provided price is right.

Unexpectedly tasty. I wouldn't buy and hold it. I would buy and drink it. Decanting will certainly help. Paired it with a spicy (paprika,pepper,salt,mustard) dry rubbed steak and a chimichurri dry rubbed steak. Worked well. Will buy again provided price is right.

1 person found it helpfulSep 8th, 2016
Nile Zacherle

Owner/Winemaker Zacherle Wines; Winemaker/Vineyardist David Arthur Vineyards, Montagna Napa Valley; Brewmaster Mad Fritz Brewing Co.

8.4

Nice red fruits simple clean ...a drink soon wine

Nice red fruits simple clean ...a drink soon wine

1 person found it helpfulJan 4th, 2015
Tom Riley

Yes, the alcohol reveals itself a tad on both nose and palate but that doesn't distract entirely from the clean fruit and fresh lingering acid. It will be interesting to see where this is in a few years. Pretty but young and a bit akimbo. Here's hoping for the mature days ahead.

Yes, the alcohol reveals itself a tad on both nose and palate but that doesn't distract entirely from the clean fruit and fresh lingering acid. It will be interesting to see where this is in a few years. Pretty but young and a bit akimbo. Here's hoping for the mature days ahead.

Aug 29th, 2015
Seth Masterson

I'm surprised at the relatively low ratings for this rosé of Grenache - in a blind tasting I would have pegged this as what it is but from Montsant or even Priorat. This firms up my belief that Wine People are scared to say they love rosé unless it's from Provence or Bandol. But I'm not shy about it.
Distinctly Grenache fruit and acid and limestone, Fresh and vibrant but also has depth in the minerality. Perfect finish, so drinkable.
For
@Dave while listening to the Ramones Road to Ruin album

I'm surprised at the relatively low ratings for this rosé of Grenache - in a blind tasting I would have pegged this as what it is but from Montsant or even Priorat. This firms up my belief that Wine People are scared to say they love rosé unless it's from Provence or Bandol. But I'm not shy about it.
Distinctly Grenache fruit and acid and limestone, Fresh and vibrant but also has depth in the minerality. Perfect finish, so drinkable.
For
@Dave while listening to the Ramones Road to Ruin album

Jul 27th, 2025
James Fattaleh

Bright. Moderate to light.

Bright. Moderate to light.

Dec 30th, 2021
Lance Anders

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Dec 25th, 2019