Our Columbia Valley Grenache is always a blend of the vineyards we work with. The goal for this bottling is to showcase the results of combining multiple vineyard sites, and to be the wine that is our primary representation in the broader market. 2019 is the exception as it is 100% from French Creek Vineyard, but we blended the two blocks we sourced from to create our Columbia Valley bottling.
Specs
100% Grenache Noir
100% French Creek Vineyard, 80% Block 11, 20% Block 20
50% Whole Cluster Fermentation
20 months in neutral French oak barrels
Inoculated yeast, SO2 added
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.66
TA: 5.2 g/L
Production: 125 cases
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 20, Columbia Valley
French Creek vineyard is a gentle sloping south facing hill with soils of wind blown loess with a thin layer of caliche sitting on top of fractured basalt. Block 20 is all grenache clone 515, which was originally imported into the US in 1997. This clone tends to bring some savory baking spice notes to the finished wine.
Specs
50% Whole Cluster Fermentation
20 months in neutral French oak barrels
Inoculated yeast, SO2 added
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.63
TA: 5.7 g/L
Production: 73 cases
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 11, Columbia Valley
French Creek vineyard is a gentle sloping south facing hill with soils of wind blown loess with a thin layer of caliche sitting on top of fractured basalt. Block 11 is all grenache clone 3, which was originally imported into the US in the 1880s for a University of California test vineyard. This is also the clone of grenache that many of the vineyards in Washington have planted.
Specs
50% Whole Cluster Fermentation
20 months in neutral French oak barrels
Inoculated yeast, SO2 added
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.63
TA: 5.5 g/L
Production: 75 cases
Who we are
Ocelli (ah-sell-eye) Cellars is the realization of the dream of John & Sirpa Peacock, born out of a shared passion for food and wine. Driven by the desire to “work” on our passion, we just couldn’t escape the need to make our own mark on the wine world, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy our wines!
Why Grenache?
The complexity and nuance of the variety is immense, and there is a great variation of style. Grenache can be delicate and pretty, elegant and rich, or more structured and intense, and this range of styles lends to the variety to being a great one to create and build a brand portfolio with. As far as we know, we are the only winery in the Northwest focused solely on Grenache. Our goal is to take a look at the various vineyards across the area producing Grenache and give them a touch of dedication and focus and make 100% Grenache from each of the sites we can. All of our red wine is fermented and aged the same to try and showcase the nuances of each vineyard.
What’s Included
3-bottles:
1x - 2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, Columbia Valley
1x - 2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 20, Columbia Valley
1x - 2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 11, Columbia Valley
Case:
4x - 2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, Columbia Valley
4x - 2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 20, Columbia Valley
4x - 2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 11, Columbia Valley
Ocelli Cellars (ah-sell-eye) exclusively produces 100% Grenache-based wines, sourcing from premier vineyards in both Oregon and Washington. Our mission is to delight consumers by highlighting how delicious Grenache can be as a single varietal, and showcasing how unique and complex Grenache can taste from different vineyard sources.
The complexity and nuance of the Grenache variety are immense, and there is a great variation of style. While Grenache is a relatively familiar grape variety, it is distinctly different from the more common focuses of the northwest, like Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley or Syrah and Cabernet from Washington. Grenache can be delicate and pretty, elegant and rich, or more structured and intense, and this range of styles lends to the variety to being a great one to create and build a brand portfolio with. As far as we know, we are the only winery in the northwest focused solely on Grenache. Our goal is to take a look at the various vineyards across the northwest producing Grenache and give them a touch of dedication and focus and make 100% Grenache from each of the sites we can.
When brainstorming ideas for the name of the winery, we wanted the name to be associated with our surname, Peacock. Naming anything is a tedious undertaking and this was no different. The obvious options were already taken, so after learning far more about peacocks than we would care to admit, we came across a diagram of the various types of feathers, and saw the term ocelli when referring to the tail plumage. Ocelli are spots that look like eyes, like those of butterflies, ocelots, and the tail feathers of a peacock. After lengthy consideration, we felt that this name truly fit our brand and we had discovered our name.
Ocelli Cellars is the realization of the choices of John & Sirpa Peacock. We chose to follow our dreams and live a life well lived, a future of enjoyment, and a passion for sharing these great things.
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
WE, on all three… hey that rhymes!
The Block 20… 89 points. This is a rare, single-block, single-clone (515) look at Grenache from this site in Yakima Valley best known for Chardonnay. The aromas pop, with notes of satsuma, white pepper, wintergreen and red raspberry. The flavors are light and pure, without any trace of new oak in site. — Sean P. Sullivan. 7/1/22
Block 11… 91 points. In contrast to the winery’s other offering from this same vineyard, fruit for this wine is Clone 3. Reserved aromas of herb, pepper and red fruit lead to spicy, pure, textured, full-feeling flavors. The emphasis here is firmly on purity and delicacy. — Sean P. Sullivan 7/1/22
And the plain 'ol Grenache… 90 points.
The aromas are somewhat reticent, with notes of white pepper, whole satsuma and raspberry. The flavors are direct, pure and juicy, showing delicacy. Peppery notes linger on the finish. There’s no overt oak influence here, with achingly pure primary fruit flavors front and center. — Sean P. Sullivan
Ocelli gets a bit of love on Wineberserkers. Blurb here from 2023 BD where these wines were offered.
@kaolis this stuff is crazy good if one likes bright and clean Grenache with some stem inclusion. $16/bottle delivered for three different bottlings is an amazing deal
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Ocelli Cellars Mixed Grenaches - $74 = 28.02%
I had the opportunity to rat this Ocelli Cellars 2019 Grenache - French Creek Vineyard Block 11. This wine is a departure from our recent fare of Zin and Barbera but I’ll give it my best.
Right off the bat what stands out to me isn’t the nose or the flavor but the mineral and stony mouthfeel. I like it. The first flavor that I get is white pepper, accompanied by what I can best describe as pomegranate. I can’t easily break out the flavors, which isn’t a bad thing, it’s just not something I’m used to. We left some in the bottle and it held up great overnight; I’m doing a little sipping this morning before my coffee and am getting some blackberry and more non-descript fruit. It’s got enough acid and tannin for me to salivate and pucker and feel good about it.
This is more of an elegant Grenache and not what I remember from back when I used to drink more Shiraz, Grenache, and blends of the two.
Thanks for the chance to rat and the opportunity to try something out of my recent wheelhouse!
Ocelli 2019 Grenache Columbia Valley
Happy to be Lab Ratting today. Thank you Terry for this wonderful Grenache, from Washington. Opened the Ocelli’s 2019 Grenache and so beautiful and light in color, like strawberry rhubarb, with a hint of an aroma of strawberries. The first couple sips where a bit tangy on my tongue, and had some nice hints of raspberry and dark cherry. Very fruit forward with a light body for this Grenache. It was less tangy when sipped with our roasted pork tenderloin! And was sooo delicious with a piece of Godiva dark chocolate. Very drinkable, nothing to overthink on this wonderful Grenache.
Got me thinking, this bottle would be perfect for the Easter holiday, paired with lamb, ham or bites of yummy dark chocolate! I see myself grabbing a couple of bottles of Ocelli’s Grenache for Easter.
Enjoyed some 2015/2016 Ocelli Grenaches from the Underground Cellar Bankruptcy sale - was looking at the 3 pack but may need to stump up for a case based on the price differential!
Don’t sleep on this offer! John makes amazing Grenache that is bright, clean, and zippy without being too much. Moreover, he got screwed big time by underground cellars (before WD took over) so if you like the lighter side of Grenache with very little oak influence then order a case. This is a crazy case price for quality wine. I sent John a message earlier to jump on here to answer any questions so I’m hoping he does at some point. I’m slightly chilling a 2016 ocelli and will report back
Cheers
@losthighwayz I second that - these are great wines, great Grenache character with a savoriness underneath that makes it really interesting. If I didn’t have a bunch already…
Hey y’all, John Peacock here, owner and winemaker of Ocelli Cellars. Thank you all for the kind words on our wines. When asked how I would categorize our wines, I describe them like Pinot Noir but with a bit more fruit. All of our red wines are fermented with about 50% whole cluster, but they never come across as green or stemmy. Generally fruit-forward (as Grenache tends to be), French Creek vineyard tends to lean in the darker fruit realm. Hope those that are buying enjoy the wines!
@losthighwayz Our Snipes Mtn bottlings are 100% from Upland Vineyard, which tends to present elegant red fruit, and can be confused with a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir due to its mouthfeel and profile. French Creek Vineyard tends more towards darker fruit and a bit more structure, though still in a elegant and pretty style with how we make our wines.
I ended up opening a 2015 Ocelli Snipes Mountain. Zero bricking and tasted fresh and with medium bright red fruit and some earthiness. Slightly stewed? Acidity on point imo. Didn’t go well with sashimi but I wasn’t expecting it to. I’m thinking pork, chicken with light sauces would be a better match but we enjoyed it on its own nonetheless. Saved half for today
Ocelli Cellars Mixed Grenaches
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, Columbia Valley
Specs
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 20, Columbia Valley
Specs
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 11, Columbia Valley
Specs
Who we are
Why Grenache?
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $456/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Mar 9 - Wednesday, Mar 11
Ocelli Cellars Mixed Grenaches
3 bottles for $65.99 $22/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $189.99 $15.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 20
2019 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, French Creek Vineyard, Block 11
WE, on all three… hey that rhymes!
The Block 20… 89 points. This is a rare, single-block, single-clone (515) look at Grenache from this site in Yakima Valley best known for Chardonnay. The aromas pop, with notes of satsuma, white pepper, wintergreen and red raspberry. The flavors are light and pure, without any trace of new oak in site. — Sean P. Sullivan. 7/1/22
Block 11… 91 points. In contrast to the winery’s other offering from this same vineyard, fruit for this wine is Clone 3. Reserved aromas of herb, pepper and red fruit lead to spicy, pure, textured, full-feeling flavors. The emphasis here is firmly on purity and delicacy. — Sean P. Sullivan 7/1/22
And the plain 'ol Grenache… 90 points.
The aromas are somewhat reticent, with notes of white pepper, whole satsuma and raspberry. The flavors are direct, pure and juicy, showing delicacy. Peppery notes linger on the finish. There’s no overt oak influence here, with achingly pure primary fruit flavors front and center. — Sean P. Sullivan
Ocelli gets a bit of love on Wineberserkers. Blurb here from 2023 BD where these wines were offered.
Ocelli BD
fwiw
@kaolis this stuff is crazy good if one likes bright and clean Grenache with some stem inclusion. $16/bottle delivered for three different bottlings is an amazing deal
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Ocelli Cellars Mixed Grenaches - $74 = 28.02%
I had the opportunity to rat this Ocelli Cellars 2019 Grenache - French Creek Vineyard Block 11. This wine is a departure from our recent fare of Zin and Barbera but I’ll give it my best.
Right off the bat what stands out to me isn’t the nose or the flavor but the mineral and stony mouthfeel. I like it. The first flavor that I get is white pepper, accompanied by what I can best describe as pomegranate. I can’t easily break out the flavors, which isn’t a bad thing, it’s just not something I’m used to. We left some in the bottle and it held up great overnight; I’m doing a little sipping this morning before my coffee and am getting some blackberry and more non-descript fruit. It’s got enough acid and tannin for me to salivate and pucker and feel good about it.
This is more of an elegant Grenache and not what I remember from back when I used to drink more Shiraz, Grenache, and blends of the two.
Thanks for the chance to rat and the opportunity to try something out of my recent wheelhouse!
@ludwigmace thanks for your rattage this is a Pinot lovers Grenache if that makes sense
@losthighwayz couldn’t put my finger on it but yep that tracks!
Ocelli 2019 Grenache Columbia Valley
Happy to be Lab Ratting today. Thank you Terry for this wonderful Grenache, from Washington. Opened the Ocelli’s 2019 Grenache and so beautiful and light in color, like strawberry rhubarb, with a hint of an aroma of strawberries. The first couple sips where a bit tangy on my tongue, and had some nice hints of raspberry and dark cherry. Very fruit forward with a light body for this Grenache. It was less tangy when sipped with our roasted pork tenderloin! And was sooo delicious with a piece of Godiva dark chocolate. Very drinkable, nothing to overthink on this wonderful Grenache.
Got me thinking, this bottle would be perfect for the Easter holiday, paired with lamb, ham or bites of yummy dark chocolate! I see myself grabbing a couple of bottles of Ocelli’s Grenache for Easter.
@fox_y_vino add Thanksgiving to the list!
Enjoyed some 2015/2016 Ocelli Grenaches from the Underground Cellar Bankruptcy sale - was looking at the 3 pack but may need to stump up for a case based on the price differential!
@ctmariner
Exact same, no need to wait for rats. Just pulled a case.
@ctmariner crazy price per bottle by the case
@ctmariner I remember eyeing them on that sale, but I snoozed and lost.
Don’t sleep on this offer! John makes amazing Grenache that is bright, clean, and zippy without being too much. Moreover, he got screwed big time by underground cellars (before WD took over) so if you like the lighter side of Grenache with very little oak influence then order a case. This is a crazy case price for quality wine. I sent John a message earlier to jump on here to answer any questions so I’m hoping he does at some point. I’m slightly chilling a 2016 ocelli and will report back
Cheers
@losthighwayz I second that - these are great wines, great Grenache character with a savoriness underneath that makes it really interesting. If I didn’t have a bunch already…
@losthighwayz @pjmartin Thanks for the reminder.
I thought these sounded familiar, and my UC order never got entered into CT, until now.
@losthighwayz @pjmartin @rjquillin pity no winery participation - but in for a case!
@ctmariner @pjmartin @rjquillin John showed up!
Hey y’all, John Peacock here, owner and winemaker of Ocelli Cellars. Thank you all for the kind words on our wines. When asked how I would categorize our wines, I describe them like Pinot Noir but with a bit more fruit. All of our red wines are fermented with about 50% whole cluster, but they never come across as green or stemmy. Generally fruit-forward (as Grenache tends to be), French Creek vineyard tends to lean in the darker fruit realm. Hope those that are buying enjoy the wines!
@OcelliCellars how do these bottlings differ from Snipes?
@losthighwayz Our Snipes Mtn bottlings are 100% from Upland Vineyard, which tends to present elegant red fruit, and can be confused with a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir due to its mouthfeel and profile. French Creek Vineyard tends more towards darker fruit and a bit more structure, though still in a elegant and pretty style with how we make our wines.
I ended up opening a 2015 Ocelli Snipes Mountain. Zero bricking and tasted fresh and with medium bright red fruit and some earthiness. Slightly stewed? Acidity on point imo. Didn’t go well with sashimi but I wasn’t expecting it to. I’m thinking pork, chicken with light sauces would be a better match but we enjoyed it on its own nonetheless. Saved half for today
@losthighwayz Our 2015s are still tasting great! We agree that our wines tend to pair well with chicken, pork, or pasta dishes.
3 pack to SC
This is good stuff, I’m in for some but not 12
@ScottW58 I bought a case. My inventory is lower than yours.
@danandlisa @ScottW58 @kaolis
I caved, thanks to yu’al, for a case split I don’t really need.
/giphy undaunted-disillusioned-raven
@losthighwayz