Our stunning new 2023 Grand Rouge Rhône-style blend is off to a hot start right here in our hometown after winning the title of “Best Red” at the 23rd annual Central Coast Wine Competition. The path to this distinction was paved by a Double Gold Medal, a rating of 98 points, and a designation of “Best in Class.”
Held at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, the competition featured more than 400 submissions from wineries across the Central Coast region spanning Contra Costa to Ventura counties. In addition to the “Best Red” award at the Central Coast Wine Competition, the 2023 Grand Rouge also recently racked up a rating of 92 points from Vinous, a renowned wine journal.
Grand Rouge is our signature twist on the traditional “GSM” style, using Counoise as a differentiator to create a compelling blend. The 2023 vintage is composed of Grenache (55%), Syrah (25%) and Counoise (20%). The wine is loaded with complex aromas of rose petal, plum, strawberry jam, eucalyptus, wet loam and toasted oak. The palate is juicy and expansive with flavors of cherry, blackberry, herbs and light barrel spices.
We are not wholly surprised by this wine’s rave reviews, as the 2023 growing season brought spectacular flavors, phenolics and fruit composition for a true winemaker’s vintage at Opolo. Stay tuned this summer for more remarkable Opolo wines from this stunning vintage.