2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc, Clay Station Vineyard, Lodi, California
Tasting Notes
Meyer lemon and a hint of white peach aroma jump out of the glass. A bright and refreshing white wine, with complex layers of sea mist and minerality, will quench any thirst on a hot summer day. Inspiration for this wine style developed while drinking the white wines from the Amalfi Coast of Italy, where the mountains meet the sea. Like the wines of the Amalfi region, the Onesta Grenache Blanc pairs perfectly with grilled fresh seafood drizzled with green herbs and lemon.
About the Wine
Grenache Blanc is the white-berried equivalent of Grenache Noir, and, like its red variant, is drought-resistant, vigorous, and easy to graft. The varietal originated in Spain and still plays a role in the wines of Rioja and Navarre. From Spain, it spread to France where it has thrived in the vineyards of the Rhône valley and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is the fourth most commonly planted white grape varietal in France, comprising over 37,000 acres in Roussillon alone. Its high-sugar, high-acid, straw-colored bunches produce wines that are high in alcohol, with green apple flavors and aromas. Although it can stand confidently on its own, its crispness and long finish make it a tremendous blending component.
Clay Station Vineyard, Lodi CA
North East Lodi, soils have a deep amber hue, indicating mineral content is high. Sustainably farmed by Markus Bokisch, the vine canopy provides a perfect shaded region for ripening clusters and retaining acidity.
Vinification
With all Onesta wines, Jillian showcases what Lodi can offer; bright, balanced, fruit-forward wines with a north coast profile. 100% Grenache Blanc whole cluster pressed for gentle handling. Cold fermentation in stainless steel retains the fresh tropical fruit flavors while sur lie aging for 6 months gives the wine a richness on the palate.
Specs
Varietal: 100% Grenache Blanc
Appellation: Lodi, California
Alcohol: 14%
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc, Clay Station Vineyard, Lodi, California
Case:
12x 2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc, Clay Station Vineyard, Lodi, California
Jillian found her passion for wine while studying neurobiology at UC Davis. Home brewing introduced her to the magic of fermentation, and after taking the “Introductory to Winemaking” class at UC Davis, she quickly switched her major to Viticulture and Enology. She graduated with her degree in 2001 and soon thereafter found herself as an intern at the famous Bonny Doon Winery.
Her desire to learn more about winemaking has taken her around the globe. To gain essential winemaking experience in a short time, Jillian traveled to the southern hemisphere to work an additional harvest each year. For three years she traveled south to learn how to work with different varieties and observe different winemaking styles. She did internships in McLaren Vale (South Australia), Margaret River (Western Australia), and Stellenbosch (South Africa).
Syrah quickly became her deepest passion and she returned to Bonny Doon as Associate Winemaker in 2005, focusing her talents on the Rhone varieties that the Dooner is known for. She played a major role in the transition to biodynamic winemaking at Bonny Doon. Now a truly seasoned winemaker, Jillian has started her own passion project, Onesta. Her artistic expression is manifested in her wines. Jillian’s wines speak the truth of each growing season and each vintage is a new adventure for her, riding the waves of Mother Nature. Her promise to herself and her customers is to deliver wines with personality and depth every year. Jillian’s wines are made with passion and love, just like she lives her life. Her hope is that every sip of Onesta will ignite the soul with passion and enthusiasm for living life to the fullest.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@rjquillin I did receive a few bottles last year from a previous offer, and tried one. My CT note to self is fairly useless: “Liked well enough.” Damning with faint praise? Or just a lazy reviewer? (Editing to add, likely the latter.)
@jml326@rjquillin
I didn’t get any notice either, but that happens sometimes. The only reason I know to look for it is because I get a text from UPS that they are going to deliver something that needs an adult signature.
@mtb002 sure thing happen, but I’m also embarrassed because I’m not prepared. Having it arrive last night with out knowing to drink last night and post today. I’m more on the ball.
I didn’t get an email about this, so I have no idea when it’s going live. I put it in the fridge to chill for 24 hours. This is not a varietal I’m familiar with, so I had to do a little general research before tasting, though I didn’t look this specific wine. I have a bit of a cold (caught from the toddler/daycare), so take all this with a chunk of Himalayan salt.
Pop n pour- nice medium to light yellow color, no legs, honeysuckle/muscat on the nose. At 40 degrees the acidity is too harsh, burning the palette and going up the nose. If you’ve kept this in the fridge, let it warm up before you serve it. At 50 degrees its much more pleasant. Nice tongue tingle, not burning anymore. I wouldn’t call this fruit forward. There’s no pineapple, maybe what I’m tasting is ‘unripe mango’? I have no idea what that tastes like. It’s not toe curlingly tart, but there’s certainly lemon/lemon curd. There’s a little wet gravel, but not overwhelming. The nonspecific description would be bright ‘n light. I like this at 50-60 degrees a lot. I would think MSRP would be 15-20/bottle, so will see what the Casemates deal is.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc - $40 = 22.21%
I got a bottle of this in my mystery case. It was well liked by the four of us that had it with dinner. I’d like to buy some, but no IL on the ship to states. Silly. Can you call it a mystery case for me and I’ll take 1?
I bought this last time it was offered (at the same price) and really enjoyed it. Not very complex, but really enjoyable with fish and chicken dishes. It was interesting to see how it changed over the course of the evening as it went from slightly too chilled to room temp. It was pleasant at all stages, though. If you’re a dry, minerally white fan, this is a very good buy.
This selection has a pale straw color with lemon and granny smith aroma. A slight hint of alcohol on the back of my nose.
Bottle arrived late last evening so straight into the fridge.
Pulled the bottle at let sit while prepping dinner, about 30mins to start. Temp gun says 43°F to start. Flavors are muted and more in the grassy and mineral area. Fruity aroma isn’t strong at this temp.
30 mins later, same pour, we’re at 51°F and a sweetness of apple and stone fruit with some granite/salty/minerals but really no alcohol bite.
As it continues to warm (56°F) more floral and sweetness like the real fruit juice from a peach or pear fruit cup. Not the sugar water syrup mind you but a light fruit juice flavor.
It may be a first course or early course wine, or a summer sipper. But I think it could be lost in heavy foods.
Also bought this last time and it’s a lovely, refreshing white that has a crisp, minerally edge. Chilled it presents with a nose of white flowers and a hint of stone fruit. The flavors are at first a bit muted, but as it hits the tongue you’ll find the subtle peach, nectarines that ends with just a hint of limestone (or, ok, what I imagine limestone tastes like!). It’s a great warmer weather sipper.
Anything Onesta is an autobuy in this house, in for a case! Jillian is a master at creating beautiful wines with character and depth. Always a crowd pleaser at gatherings…but don’t be afraid to drink this alone!
Thanks, everyone for the detailed comments on our Granoche Blanc. It is definitely a mineral driven wine. I am not sure if my little podcast is available on the sale or not, but I explain in detail the inspiration behind the style of my Grenache Blanc. My husband and I honeymoon on the Amalfi coast and fell in love with the white wines of the region.
It was then that I decided to make a wine from Grenache Blanc, chasing that style with higher acidity and mineral complexity, that pairs perfectly with your favorite seafood dish.
2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc, Clay Station Vineyard, Lodi, California
Tasting Notes
About the Wine
Clay Station Vineyard, Lodi CA
Vinification
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$300.00/Case for 2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc, Clay Station Vineyard, Lodi, California at Onesta Wines
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Feb 6 - Tuesday, Feb 7
2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@infrom
you a
?
@rjquillin Not that I know of! No emails nor bottles brought by a flying monkey, rat, or even a human.
@rjquillin I did receive a few bottles last year from a previous offer, and tried one. My CT note to self is fairly useless: “Liked well enough.” Damning with faint praise? Or just a lazy reviewer? (Editing to add, likely the latter.)
@InFrom substantially better than I achieve.
@rjquillin maybe I got a bottle by mistake. It arrived last night, no notice no email. I’ll write up tonight.
@jml326 @rjquillin
I didn’t get any notice either, but that happens sometimes. The only reason I know to look for it is because I get a text from UPS that they are going to deliver something that needs an adult signature.
@mtb002 sure thing happen, but I’m also embarrassed because I’m not prepared. Having it arrive last night with out knowing to drink last night and post today. I’m more on the ball.
And it’s farmed by Markus? Nice! It was cool to meet him on the 2018 tour.
Onesta Grenache Blanc
I didn’t get an email about this, so I have no idea when it’s going live. I put it in the fridge to chill for 24 hours. This is not a varietal I’m familiar with, so I had to do a little general research before tasting, though I didn’t look this specific wine. I have a bit of a cold (caught from the toddler/daycare), so take all this with a chunk of Himalayan salt.
Pop n pour- nice medium to light yellow color, no legs, honeysuckle/muscat on the nose. At 40 degrees the acidity is too harsh, burning the palette and going up the nose. If you’ve kept this in the fridge, let it warm up before you serve it. At 50 degrees its much more pleasant. Nice tongue tingle, not burning anymore. I wouldn’t call this fruit forward. There’s no pineapple, maybe what I’m tasting is ‘unripe mango’? I have no idea what that tastes like. It’s not toe curlingly tart, but there’s certainly lemon/lemon curd. There’s a little wet gravel, but not overwhelming. The nonspecific description would be bright ‘n light. I like this at 50-60 degrees a lot. I would think MSRP would be 15-20/bottle, so will see what the Casemates deal is.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Onesta Grenache Blanc - $40 = 22.21%
@Mark_L thanks again (Chip Jr).
@Mark_L What, you tied up @chipgreen and tossed him in your basement?
@ttboy23 To quote Sir Isaac Newton, I feel like I’m “…standing on the shoulders of giants.”
@Mark_L @ttboy23 pretty good Oasis album btw
I got a bottle of this in my mystery case. It was well liked by the four of us that had it with dinner. I’d like to buy some, but no IL on the ship to states. Silly. Can you call it a mystery case for me and I’ll take 1?
@jmdavidson1 I look forward to Onesta having IL back on the ship list. It’s been quite a while!
Loved it last time, so I am in for more. Still waiting on those Onesta branded legwarmers though.
/giphy budding-equitable-comb
I bought this last time it was offered (at the same price) and really enjoyed it. Not very complex, but really enjoyable with fish and chicken dishes. It was interesting to see how it changed over the course of the evening as it went from slightly too chilled to room temp. It was pleasant at all stages, though. If you’re a dry, minerally white fan, this is a very good buy.
@vandemusser Agreed, based off the few bottles we’ve had from the previous offer.
Let’s crack open a bottle.
This selection has a pale straw color with lemon and granny smith aroma. A slight hint of alcohol on the back of my nose.
Bottle arrived late last evening so straight into the fridge.
Pulled the bottle at let sit while prepping dinner, about 30mins to start. Temp gun says 43°F to start. Flavors are muted and more in the grassy and mineral area. Fruity aroma isn’t strong at this temp.
30 mins later, same pour, we’re at 51°F and a sweetness of apple and stone fruit with some granite/salty/minerals but really no alcohol bite.
As it continues to warm (56°F) more floral and sweetness like the real fruit juice from a peach or pear fruit cup. Not the sugar water syrup mind you but a light fruit juice flavor.
It may be a first course or early course wine, or a summer sipper. But I think it could be lost in heavy foods.
Wonderful variety and one of the most versatile food wise out there . . .
Also bought this last time and it’s a lovely, refreshing white that has a crisp, minerally edge. Chilled it presents with a nose of white flowers and a hint of stone fruit. The flavors are at first a bit muted, but as it hits the tongue you’ll find the subtle peach, nectarines that ends with just a hint of limestone (or, ok, what I imagine limestone tastes like!). It’s a great warmer weather sipper.
@cathyk39 I also bought this last offer and agree with you. I really enjoyed it.
Anything Onesta is an autobuy in this house, in for a case! Jillian is a master at creating beautiful wines with character and depth. Always a crowd pleaser at gatherings…but don’t be afraid to drink this alone!
positive-troubled-soap
Thanks, everyone for the detailed comments on our Granoche Blanc. It is definitely a mineral driven wine. I am not sure if my little podcast is available on the sale or not, but I explain in detail the inspiration behind the style of my Grenache Blanc. My husband and I honeymoon on the Amalfi coast and fell in love with the white wines of the region.
It was then that I decided to make a wine from Grenache Blanc, chasing that style with higher acidity and mineral complexity, that pairs perfectly with your favorite seafood dish.
@WineDocNapa Love all of your wines thus far. Keep up the great work.
In for a case!
@WineDocNapa
Gillian, I’m familiar with Sue Tipton’s GB from Acquiesce, also in Lodi. Might you be as well and be able to offer a comparison?
/giphy quick-bent-basket
Love Onesta GB!!! In for a case! Prepping for a warm Florida spring
@jaxboating Casemates - for the OTHER prepping
Meh, ok not great. I love their Cinsault, grab that any chance you get. But this wine is drinkable, not great. It’s dry not too sweet.