Brand: Shatter is a collaboration between legendary winemakers Dave Phinney and Joel Gott along with Trinchero Family Estates. Progressive winemaker David Swift Phinney, founded the acclaimed Orin Swift Cellars in 1998 [Orin is his father’s middle name and Swift is his mother’s maiden name.] Today the company has grown into an international brand that includes 300 acres in southwest France along with projects in Spain, Italy, Corsica, Argentina and other locations. [Note: Orin Swift (the brand, remaining inventory and the tasting room in St. Helena) was purchased by E. & J. Gallo Winery in 2016. Dave Phinney “will remain involved”.]

Joel Gott is a 5th generation west coast winemaker that began crafting renowned Zinfandels in 1996. His wines are noted for their remarkable value together with his use of high-end California fruit, and fantastic structure and balance. Striving to craft quality wine under $20, in addition to his acclaimed Joel Gott Wines, he is also the man behind the hugely successful ‘Three Thieves’ brand.

Winemaking: Interestingly, the name Shatter refers to a few different components of the wine. First, it is a nod to the extreme viticulture conditions found in the Maury region of the Roussillon in southern France [nutrient-poor soil, strong winds, hot days]. Second, it refers to the phenomenon in which grape clusters fail to develop all their berries after flowering. Generally, this is considered to be one of the hazards of grape growing in the area, but Phinney and Gott embrace it; stating, “It actually decreases yield and intensifies the wines.” And finally, it is a reflection of the black schist soils that resemble shards of broken black glass. The label with its original photo of broken glass further anchors and emphasizes these features.

Grapes were cold-soaked for 30 days to help further concentrate the wine, then fermented and aged in Maury, France, then bottled in St. Helena, California. Aged 10 months in French oak, 30% new.

Tasting Notes: Deep garnet in colour with enticing aromas of dark berries, pepper spice and a hint of vanilla. Rich, sleek layers of clean fruit [cherry, blackberry, red currant, pomegranate], chocolate and crushed black peppercorn are accented by silky tannins, whilst cigar box spice highlights the lengthy, fruit driven finish. A fantastic balance of lush fruit and spice with an elegant edge, do watch out for that 15.6% alcohol, as it does sneak right up.

100% Grenache
Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes
France
Imported & Bottled by Fracture, St. Helena, Napa County, California
15.6% Alcohol
$18
Enjoy now thru 2018

Brand: Shatter is a collaboration between legendary winemakers Dave Phinney and Joel Gott along with Trinchero Family Estates. Progressive winemaker David Swift Phinney, founded the acclaimed Orin Swift Cellars in 1998 [Orin is his father’s middle name and Swift is his mother’s maiden name.] Today the company has grown into an international brand that includes 300 acres in southwest France along with projects in Spain, Italy, Corsica, Argentina and other locations. However, his mission still remains a small, “passionate team of friends and family dedicated to making great wine”.

Joel Gott is a 5th generation west coast winemaker that began crafting renowned Zinfandels in 1996. His wines are noted for their remarkable value together with his use of high-end California fruit, and fantastic structure and balance. Striving to craft quality wine under $20, in addition to his acclaimed Joel Gott Wines, he is also the man behind the hugely successful ‘Three Thieves’ brand.

Winemaking: Interestingly, the name Shatter refers to a few different components of the wine. First, it is a nod to the extreme viticulture conditions found in the Maury region of the Roussillon in southern France. Second, it refers to the phenomenon in which grape clusters fail to develop all their berries after flowering. Generally, this is considered to be one of the hazards of grape growing in the area, but Phinney and Gott embrace it; stating, “It actually decreases yield and intensifies the wines.” And finally, it is a reflection of the black schist soils that resemble shards of broken black glass. The label with its original photo of broken glass further anchors and emphasizes these features.

Tasting Notes: Dark red-violet in colour with aromas of dark berries, vanilla and cozy campfire. An engaging density [verbatim from my notes] accentuated by rich layers of black cherry, blackberry and hints of sweet herbs, meanwhile silky tannins, black cherry, chocolate ganache and toasty spices comprise the lengthy finish.
[Watch out for that 15+% alcohol, it quietly sneaks up on you.]

100% Grenache
Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes
France
Imported and Bottled by Fracture, St Helena, Napa County CA
15.6% Alcohol
$18
Enjoy now thru 2018

Rated 92 points by the Wine Advocate