2011 Fracture (from Orin Swift)

This French grenache is from the noted American winemaker, Dave Phinney, who is perhaps most famous as the creator of the popular zinfandel blend “The Prisoner”. Fracture is one of Phinney’s new concoctions and is widely available. I bought it at the Kroger in my neighborhood as a test bottle because I had read a positive review and because I really liked The Prisoner. I paid $25. I really enjoyed this wine. It is a deep, rich, full-bodied red with aromas and flavors that are (to me) hard to pin down but entirely pleasant. It has an earthy, almost smoky aroma with not much discernible fruit. The flavors are just as earthy and voluptuous, with a noticeable chocolate/cocoa touch at the end. It is a very smooth, easy drinking wine with just enough tannin to give it some heft. The earthiness paired wonderfully with the grilled steak I had it with. Would be great with most any grilled meat. All in all, a very enjoyable, not-too-serious red wine.