2022 The Scythians, a Raj Parr project
Just poured myself a glass of a recently delivered bottle. I had bought this believing it mostly grenache, but turns out it's 50% Zinfandel, 30% Alicante Bouschet, 10% Mission and 10% Grenache from several vineyards including the Galleano Home Vineyard and Lopez Vineyard in Cucamonga Valley (Ontario, California), both planted in 1912, and the Francis Road Vineyard, planted in 1905. Whole cluster fermentation, unfined and unfiltered. The alicante bouschet is out in front on the ultra-fragrant nose and palate. Ripe but not overripe with raspberry red licorice, red currant, rhubarb and however you describe the unique qualities of alicante bouschet, a grape I have not liked in the past. The Zinfandel doesn't show at all. To my surprise, though, I like this wine. Not love, but like enough to look forward to another glass.