2012 Horsepower Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley RP--95

Robert Parker: 95 Points
eRobertParker.com #219 Jun 2015 Jeb Dunnuck 95 Drink: 2015 - 2027 $194-$299 Sporting a transparent ruby color, the 2012 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is Rayas-like in its perfume (I served this blind to a great taster and they guessed 2001 Rayas) of kirsch, blackberry, ground pepper, gunpowder and floral-laced nuances. Full-bodied, elegant and layered, I thought it showed more flesh and texture from barrel, but it's still a gorgeous Grenache. Drink it anytime over the coming decade or more. The newest project (I suspect there are more in the works) of Christophe Baron, these Horsepower releases focus on two estate vineyards, The Tribe and the Sur Echalas, both of which are located in the Rocks region of Walla Walla and farmed only by horse (hence "Horsepower"). The 2012s are certainly gorgeous wines, yet lacked a little of the oomph and depth I found in the wines from barrel. Nevertheless, as I think the scores show, these are incredible wines. I was surprised to see the 2013s already in bottle, yet they showed beautifully as well.