2015 Ian Brand “La Marea” Grenache, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County.
The just about to be released Brosseau Vineyard from Ian Brand, under his Spanish (varietal) inspired label La Marea is a gorgeous red with amazing sharp detail, focus and hedonistic charms showing deep fruit intensity in a well balanced and pure wine. This is one of the best Grenache bottlings in the state, it joins the likes of A Tribute to Grace (Angela Osborne), in allowing terroir and the grape to shine through, it has a reflection of place that marks it clearly with a nice chalky detail and a concentrated palate that translates the vintage in a ripe/opulent form without being sweet or heavy. The La Marea Brosseau Grenache opens with pretty floral tones, snappy spices and light mineral elements that lead to a medium/full body of densely packed layers of dark fruits including a mix of red berries and plum along with strawberry, pepper, minty herb, lavender, framboise, saline infused stones and anise. There is a nice lift that gives a lively and youthful brightness and the tannins are caressingly supple and mouth, everything folds together well, making for a textural gem, Brand has really crafted a beautiful wine here, it sits somewhere between a fine Gigondas and a more delicate example of Spanish Garnacha, especially those of the Gredos region, a high elevation area not far from Madrid, a new hot spot for Grenache. One of Monterey’s top young producers, Ian Brand is somewhat of a vineyard whisperer, he has a nose for unique and expressive sites and is a soil freak, his wines are transparent and thrill for their naked purity, he in particular has a gifted touch with Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre and Rhone varietals with Grenache leading the way, these are wines to discover now. This Brosseau is just one of a few not to miss new releases from Ian Brand that are going to be available soon, so keep an eye out for them, he also has an Albarino (La Marea) and an Enz Vineyard Mourvedre (I. Brand & Family) coming out that you’ll not want to miss.
($38 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
