The Guardian, our limited edition white wine, is a labour of love. Scattered within our Grenache noir vineyards are a small number of Grenache Gris vines. At harvest we work our way through these vineyards collecting the pink berries from these few, precious vines. As each yields only 3 or 4 clusters our annual production tends not to exceed 10 barrels. The wine is cool fermented then aged in neutral French oak for approximately eight months and does not undergo malo-lactic fermentation.
2017
“I loved the 2017 Côtes Catalanes The Guardian Blanc (100% Grenache Gris). It shows how good the whites from this region can be, especially the ones based on Grenache Gris. This beauty is loaded with notions of white citrus, green herbs, spice, and a liquid rock-like minerality, which is one of the hallmarks of Grenache Gris. Concentrated, layered, and ripe, it’s a powerful white that will shine on the dinner table, and I suspect evolve beautifully for a decade (although there’s no need or reason to hold off).” 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck (November 2018)
2016
“Tasted out of barrel, the 2016 Cotes Catalanes The Guardian Blanc is another mineral-dominated white that has lots of celery seed and licorice aromatics, medium-bodied richness and a clean finish. It develops more and more characteristics with time in the glass and will certainly be an outstanding wine.” 90-92 points – Jeb Dunnuck – The Wine Advocate (April 2017)
2015
“I love the 2015 Cotes Catalanes The Guardian Blanc and this Grenache Gris-dominated cuvee (10% of the blend was aged in barrel) offers tons of salty minerality, as well as notes of citrus peel and just a hint of barrique. Rich, textured, yet still fresh and lively, with good acidity and purity, it’s a smoking good white to enjoy over the coming couple of years, and I’m sure it will keep even longer if you’re so inclined.” 93 points – Jeb Dunnuck – The Wine Advocate (April 2017)
2014
“Tasted out of barrel, the 2014 Cotes Catalanes The Guardian Blanc (100% Grenache Gris) tastes just like the 2013, with plenty of minerality in its licorice, stone fruits and citrus blossom-laced aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, fresh and elegant, the 2013 has a tad more concentration, but this is still excellent.” 91 points – Jeb Dunnuck – The Wine Advocate (April 2015)
2013
“A terrific white that’s made from 60+-year-old Grenache Gris vines, the 2013 Cotes Catalanes The Guardian Blanc didn’t go through malo and was aged all in 4+-year-old barrels. It’s a classic Grenache Gris that has lots of minerality, stone fruits, licorice and white flower in its medium-bodied, textured and layered personality. It has both richness and freshness, and will drink nicely for 3-4 years at a minimum.” 92 points – Jeb Dunnuck – The Wine Advocate (April 2015)
2011
“Made from 100% Grenache Gris, a rare but promising grape that is generally only found in the Roussillon, reveals an exotic perfume of mango, tangerine and apple blossoms. Elegant and medium to full-bodied with stunningly pure fruit as well as a penetrating flavor profile, but still light on its feet with good acidity, this wine is best drunk in its first year of life.” 90 points – Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate (December 2012)
2010
“The 2010 Guardian (a rare 100% Grenache Gris cuvee) possesses a wonderfully rich nose of nectarines, white apricots and earth, full body, superb fruit intensity and beautiful texture as well as freshness. This dry white can be enjoyed with an assortment of cuisines over the next 1-2 years.” 91 points – Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate (August 2011)