Lightning

Chevalier Family Mendocino County Grenache

9.17 ratings
9.14 pro ratings
Sonoma County, 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
Scott Barber

Wine Educator Meadowood Napa Valley

9.0

One of the producers driving the rise of Cali Grenache. It checks all the boxes to make Cali wine drinkers happy

One of the producers driving the rise of Cali Grenache. It checks all the boxes to make Cali wine drinkers happy

Apr 10th, 2017
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.0

Aug 12.
First red today from Lightning and second time trying this bottling. Dark core, almost purple with crimson rim. Layered nose with notes of lavender, black peppercorn, roasted strawberries and wood chips. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) with medium minus body. Complex palate with bramble berries, cherry cola, and black cherries. Tangy acidity with great structure. Rather elegant and keeps adding layers with more air. Semi-dry and long finish. Drink from 2017 till 2026.

Aug 12.
First red today from Lightning and second time trying this bottling. Dark core, almost purple with crimson rim. Layered nose with notes of lavender, black peppercorn, roasted strawberries and wood chips. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) with medium minus body. Complex palate with bramble berries, cherry cola, and black cherries. Tangy acidity with great structure. Rather elegant and keeps adding layers with more air. Semi-dry and long finish. Drink from 2017 till 2026.

Dec 7th, 2016
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

Second of the two grenaches we tried from Lightning Wines, both were tasted over two days with a two hour decant to start. Initially the Chevalier Grenache was a little tight on the nose with just dark cherries showing. As the evening progressed the nose opened up with some charred wood, savory notes and a few earthy and rustic undertones. Dark crimson red, almost ruby red. When you compare the Chevalier Family Grenache to the Swansborough Grenache we noticed that this wine had an overall darker palate. Darker as in it was covered with more dark cherries and dark berries. Heavy tannins (8/10) on day one and moderate plus body. This grenache was stunning on day two! So smooth, silky and elegant. It was completely put together with some smokey notes on the nose and palate. This wine definitely has a ton of potential and is probably our favorite Grenache we have tried so far this year! Insanely great value. Drink till 2025.

Second of the two grenaches we tried from Lightning Wines, both were tasted over two days with a two hour decant to start. Initially the Chevalier Grenache was a little tight on the nose with just dark cherries showing. As the evening progressed the nose opened up with some charred wood, savory notes and a few earthy and rustic undertones. Dark crimson red, almost ruby red. When you compare the Chevalier Family Grenache to the Swansborough Grenache we noticed that this wine had an overall darker palate. Darker as in it was covered with more dark cherries and dark berries. Heavy tannins (8/10) on day one and moderate plus body. This grenache was stunning on day two! So smooth, silky and elegant. It was completely put together with some smokey notes on the nose and palate. This wine definitely has a ton of potential and is probably our favorite Grenache we have tried so far this year! Insanely great value. Drink till 2025.

May 19th, 2016
Jerae Knutson

DuMOL Member Services

9.2

Beautifu Mendocino County Grenache from the Chevalier Family Vineyard. My only wish is that the alcohol were lighter. This comes in at 14.2% (96 cases)

Beautifu Mendocino County Grenache from the Chevalier Family Vineyard. My only wish is that the alcohol were lighter. This comes in at 14.2% (96 cases)

Jan 5th, 2016
Jody Scharf

Love this Grenache. Love the word Grenache. Makes me sound smart. Anywho. This wine nice, easy and smooth. I taste some grapefruit, plum and licorice. Nose of leather and a nice rich deep strawberry color. Acid light.

Love this Grenache. Love the word Grenache. Makes me sound smart. Anywho. This wine nice, easy and smooth. I taste some grapefruit, plum and licorice. Nose of leather and a nice rich deep strawberry color. Acid light.

Jan 27th, 2017
Bob Wilson

Bob had this 8 years ago

Bob had this 8 years ago

Sep 30th, 2016
JT & Brandy Egli

JT had this 7 years ago

JT had this 7 years ago

Oct 22nd, 2016