2019 E16 Baby Rattlesnake Vineyard Grenache Blanc

Region: El Dorado < CA
Grapes: Grenache Blanc
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; high-altitude vineyard at 2300 ft on volcanic soils; hand-harvested before a direct-press to stainless steel; minimal added SO2; 12.5% ABV; 120 cases
Winemaker: Daniel Moore

E16 Wine is small, family-owned producer of single vineyard, small-lot Burgundy and Rhone varietals based in the Sierra Foothills. Founded by 3rd generation winegrower Robert Jones, E16 is named after the highway leading to Robert’s original vineyard. The winery is co-piloted by winemaker Daniel Moore, formerly the original winemaker for Martinelli and later at Lynmar for 13 years.  The organically-farmed Baby Rattlesnake Vineyard earned its name after Robert Jones’ three-year-old son picked up a baby Northern Pacific rattler. Before his parent's could intervene, he had already returned it to earth without harm to either party. With a warm, dry growing season, high 2400 foot elevation, cool overnight temperatures and well-drained granitic soils, it is ideal for the 16 Rhone varietals planted there.

Grenache Blanc, a genetic variation of the red Grenache grape, tends to produce wines that are rich, round and plush, similar to Chardonnay if aged in oak.  We love E16's unoaked version because it is none of those things. Super high elevation, from a mountain vineyard where the cool evenings and clear skies maintain acid and freshness in the grapes, resulting in a bright and crisp wine that smells lush and tropical but is zippy on the palate, with subtle melon, herb, pear and cleansing acid on the very long finish.   A refined, elegant wine to share with natural wine newbies.