2021 Cinsault

Not often seen varietally labeled, Cinsault (pronounced sahn-so) is a workhouse grape in Southern France that is an important part of well-known bottlings like Cotes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape. At its peakCinsault walks a delicious line between Grenache and Pinot Noir: light colored, bright fruits, silky texture and a pronounced fresh herb/tobacco character. Like Grenache, Cinsault excels in Washington and one of our favorite examples is Olsen Estates’ old vine plantings, which represent 100% of the fruit in this year’s inaugural release.

The 2021 Cinsault’s color is almost crystalline in the glass.  The aromas are expansive and diverse: red raspberry and cherry, orange zest, tapenade and fresh herbs.  The palate is lush, with mouthwatering fruit intermingling with salinity, white pepper and exotic spices.  The finish is deep and lengthy: minerality, sea salt, iodine and fresh raspberries ending on black tea and espresso.  Beautiful texture throughout.