Florèz Wines "The Pope's Smoke" California 2023

FROM JENNY & FRANCOIS:

THE WINE: 100% Grenache. James on this wine: “During my ‘stage’ (internship) in Burgundy in 2014, I was presented with a blind wine that was unlike anything I had previously experienced. A pale color with endless perfume, florality, unctuous flavor and a viscous mouth feel. I really had no idea of the variety, yet I knew it was a special wine. I guessed Pinot Noir, as I was in Burgundy after all. It was a 2005 Grenache from Chateau Rayas. I had never heard of the winery. But was quickly educated on the winery and their most esteemed 100% Grenache. Ever since that tasting, I took a serious interest in the potential of Grenache. Also through experience, I have observed Grenache is one of the most terroir-influenced grapes I have ever worked with. In 2021 we worked with a new vineyard presenting a new expression of this wine.”

THE PRODUCER: Florèz Wines was founded by James Jelks in 2017. Born in Santa Cruz and raised in Davis California Jelks is a west coast kid. After a decade of wine fascination, attending the UC Davis E&V program, and working worldwide Jelks set his sights on producing wines in Santa Cruz county. He is farming some vineyards himself, always dry-farmed, and is also sourcing some fruit from organic and sustainable vineyards. He always works with native yeasts, does not use additives except for a minimal amount of sulfur at bottling, and does not filter the wines.