The Dish
The Farm Winery loves the rows of Grenache we farm in the Paso Adelaida AVA. The block sits at nearly 1800' elevation - which we believe is the highest altitude Grenache in Paso. The higher elevation and southern aspect slope exposure create incredibly fine-grained tannins and a sublime mouth feel. Since founding The Farm Winery, we have included a bit of Syrah with mostly Grenache to create Touchy-Feely. However, when we tasted vintage 2014, three barrels stood out and suggested something noteworthy as a pure Grenache. Now bottled, this wine is special and she's The Dish!
Vintage 2018 winemaker's notes
93 cases produced. 100% Grenache from Paso Robles Adelaida District.
The highest Rhone vineyard of the Adelaida District. It’s hidden in the hills of Westside Paso. Higher elevation equates to bigger temperature swings from day to night. It also allows the vines to dodge the effects of heat waves in late summer, resulting in fresh acid structures and lighter color hues. The nose reveals initial tension that smooths out to cool balsamic notes warmed by dancing red fruit, more cherries than strawberries.
Where the 2017 was dominated by overt fruit power, The Dish 2018 shows a mineral note that provides a frame that holds the power under control. It shares with our other 18s a tridimensionality of aromas that convey a sensation of space and explorability. The palate opens up a textural sensation of silk. But not delicate silk, but an intense, mouth filling, tongue coating, spirit warming wave of fruit kept under control by lively acidity and mineral notes.
Perfect as a standalone only wine pre-dinner drink. Also fantastic with so many dishes running the range of cheeses and cold cuts, to seafood, to chicken in any form.
Vintage 2018 reviews
Limpid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruit, incense and potpourri, and a spicy topnote expands as the wine opens up. Appealingly sweet and lively in the mouth, offering intense Chambord, cherry, lavender pastillle and backing spice flavors that show fine clarity and mineral lift. Displays fine definition on an impressively long, sweet finish framed by supple, well-judged tannis. Enjoy 2024 - 2032.
94 points; Vinous November 2021
"Always get excited when I have an affordable wine, and it completely resets your conception of amazing wine.
It was The Dish 2018 from The Farm Winery in Westside Paso (Adelaida District). They do 85 cases of this Grenache. I don't usually keep bottles of $60 wines afterwards, but I can't imagine how a wine could taste better.
It was one of those cool experiences."
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Vintage 2017 winemaker's notes
42 cases produced - just 2 barrels. 100% Grenache from Paso Robles Adelaida District.
Terra Bella is the highest elevation Grenache vineyard in Paso Robles - 1800' above sea level. This elevation is the defining element of our Grenache. The Dish’s signature is always freshness and vivacity. In 2017, its lightness takes a turn towards strength. Delicacy turns into athleticism. Vivaciousness takes on grip. Persuasiveness becomes power. Always within the framework of bright cherries, silky texture and light color that defines this high altitude Grenache vineyard. And with the awesome, vibrating aroma that makes The Dish irresistible.
2017 was the first year in which we decided for The Dish to age two years in barrel. Previously, we had bottled it with only one year, to preserve the delicate aspects of the wine. Twice the duration was a good call this time, given the strength we tasted back then and that shows now in the bottle.
As happens with the other 17's, this power that defines the vintage allows more range in food pairing. I suggest a rare salmon. Or strong, aged or ripe cheeses.
Vintage 2017 review
Deep, brilliant garnet. Aromas of ripe red fruits and candied flowers reveal white pepper and exotic spice flourishes. Seamless in texture and appealingly sweet, offering juicy raspberry, cherry and spice-cake flavors and a subtle hint of candied lavender. Closes with strong tenacity, well-knit tannins and resonating floral and spice notes.
93 points; Vinous December 2020
Vintage 2016 winemaker's notes
22 cases produced. 100% Grenache from the Paso Robles Adelaida District.
High elevation Grenache gives us a feminine character. Silky texture and light color. It is the most “Pinot-esque” of the Rhone varieties. When I opened the 2016 bottle and poured the first splash, my nose found a tight and tense aroma. Fresh, full of life, almost nervous. As the wine started breathing it settled down and complex notes of cherries and elevated, almost balsamic freshness appeared. A sensuous nose, demanding, involving, challenging, seducing. In the mouth the initial impression of tension and vibration mellows to silk and vivacious fruit. There’s an aliveness that validates the decision to bottle early. Less tannic than the 2014, the component that keeps the wine flowing is its acidity and minerality. I love Grenache!
Vintage 2016 review
A grenache with pretty dried-strawberry and caramel aromas and flavors. Hints of toffee. Medium to full body and soft, creamy tannins. Ripe finish, yet remains fresh. Drink or hold.
92 points; James Suckling March 2020
Vintage 2014 winemaker's notes
When I put my nose to the glass, I was surprised. This is the first time we’ve bottled a pure Grenache. We also changed our aging program to bottle The Dish younger, with 14 months in barrel. And the nose reflects that. There’s an aliveness that validates the decision to bottle earlier. Notes of crushed grasses on an early morning hike when the dew is still on the leaves. Red fruits, hints of charred meats, intense and complex, build up the expectation of what’s to come. In the palate there’s an explosion of flavor. Intense freshness. Upright, vibrant, sharp. Fine grained tannins that flow into mineral notes and keep the flavors alive. Full mid-palate that lengthens into mineral and savory memories that go on and on and on….. I love this Grenache! Just 68 cases produced.
Vintage 2014 reviews
The nose is a fine and lively velvety red raspberry with notes of blueberry, blossoms and honey. The palate entry is crisp and bright with a red berry and mineral core. A well-defined, silky finish. Tasted twice. Drink 2017 - 2022.
93 points; Purely Domestic Wine Report March 2017
All Grenache, this concentrated effort does not stint on ripeness yet its signature calling card is deep red berry fruit that smells and tastes of Grenache, and its concentration, achieved without the addition of other varieties, is instructive re the potential that the grape possesses. Juicy and forward on the palate, it does lose a bit of complexity relative to the best of its blended competitors, but there is no reason to call the wine out on that account since it is otherwise a bold yet charming effort that will drink decently in the near term yet can hold five years or more.
92 points; Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine March 2017
Dark ruby. Highly perfumed red and blue fruit and floral pastille aromas are complemented by a hint of five-spice powder. Silky and broad on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry and boysenberry flavors that take a darker turn as the wine stretches out. Finishes impressively long and smooth, displaying lingering berry and floral nuances, velvety tannins and a touch of smoky minerality.
Drinking window: 2020 - 2026
92 points; Vinous November 2017
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