Rating 85
Style Red
Variety
Vintage 2017
Appellation
California
USA
ABV 15.1%
Price $36.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2019-10-28

Perfect For

Cold Weather Hibernation, Host/Hostess Gifting, Sweet Tooth Cravings

Drink If You Like

Grenache, Malbec , Zinfandel

Clif Family Winery North Coast Grenache 2017 Review

Torn, I am with this wine. The alcohol is some of the highest I have seen, and that heat smacks you in the nose right out of the bottle. But it’s also balanced, sort of. There is soft fruit vibes happening, and you’ll dig the balck‘n’blueberry coulis juiciness. The palate also burns a little, but under that ethanol wave there is some mocha and baker’s chocolate aromas. I think I dig this wine because I would pair it with nothing else except, well, chocolate. But, like, expensive chocolate, because this big, hot, sweet thing is $36 and only available online.

As of 2024, VinePair no longer participates in any affiliate programs. All links included in our content are as a convenience to our readers, not for earning commission — we receive no monetary value from them. Learn more about our tastings & review department here!

Related Reads

Related Clif Family Winery Reviews

Clif Family Winery Kit's Killer Cab

Clif Family Winery Kit's Killer Cab 2021:
Clif Family Winery’s vineyards are organic and Napa Green certified, but the estate has been farming this way since the early ‘90s. ...

Related Grenache Reviews

Ryme Cellars Grenache

Ryme Cellars Grenache 2021:
Though Ryan and Megan Glaab started Ryme Cellars with a focus on southern Italian varieties, the their Grenache is unique as well. This ...

A Tribute to Grace Rosé of Grenache Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard

A Tribute to Grace Rosé of Grenache Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard 2022:
Angela Osborne loves Grenache. SO much that she left her home in New Zealand to make wine in California. Today, she sources her beloved ...

Featured Grenache Articles

The 50 Best Wines of 2024

The 50 Best Wines of 2024:
Read VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 wines of 2024 now! These are 50 of the best wines you can buy. See them all now!

The 30 Best Wines for Thanksgiving (2024)

The 30 Best Wines for Thanksgiving (2024):
These are the 30 absolute best Thanksgiving wines for 2024 to drink at price points for any budget, pairing, or situation.

15 Winemakers to Watch in 2024

15 Winemakers to Watch in 2024:
With hundreds of new and exciting wineries popping up every year, here are 15 winemakers to keep an eye on in 2024.

The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2023

The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2023:
From here in America to around the world, these are the top 10 wine travel destinations for 2023. See the best of wine country now.

85
POINTS
Clif Family Winery North Coast Grenache 2017
Torn, I am with this wine. The alcohol is some of the highest I have seen, and that heat smacks you in the nose right out of the bottle. But it’s also balanced, sort of. There is soft fruit vibes happening, and you’ll dig the balck‘n’blueberry coulis juiciness. The palate also burns a little, but under that ethanol wave there is some mocha and baker’s chocolate aromas. I think I dig this wine because I would pair it with nothing else except, well, chocolate. But, like, expensive chocolate, because this big, hot, sweet thing is $36 and only available online.

Reviewed On: 10-28-2019
85
POINTS
Clif Family Winery North Coast Grenache 2017
Torn, I am with this wine. The alcohol is some of the highest I have seen, and that heat smacks you in the nose right out of the bottle. But it’s also balanced, sort of. There is soft fruit vibes happening, and you’ll dig the balck‘n’blueberry coulis juiciness. The palate also burns a little, but under that ethanol wave there is some mocha and baker’s chocolate aromas. I think I dig this wine because I would pair it with nothing else except, well, chocolate. But, like, expensive chocolate, because this big, hot, sweet thing is $36 and only available online.

Reviewed On: 10-28-2019