After Victor Palencia graduated from Walla Walla Community College’s viticulture and enology program, he immediately began racking up an impressive resume that included stints at Basel Cellars and Saviah Cellars. At his current fulltime day job as head winemaker for a custom crush facility in Mattawa (co-owned by Jack Jones and Dick Shaw) he oversees production of millions of gallons of wine each year, as well as makes wine for Jones of Washington. At Palencia Winery, the winemaker pays homage to his heritage and family, who relocated from Mexico to the Yakima Valley when he was just two years old.
“Growing up around vineyards granted me a great perspective of a vineyard’s potential. The wines I produce share expressions from the vineyard, with love and respect for the site,” says the industrious Palencia.
This 2012 Grenache shows purity of Yakima Valley fruit, loaded with dense flavors of earthy cherry, pomegranate and accents of anise seed and leather, all framed by silky tannins that stand up with a racy tempo on the finish.
Editor’s Choice: Outstanding
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 14%
website: www.palenciawine.com