PÁŠXA Rockgarden Grenache
In distinctive soils, Grenache shows its true self. Complex but giving, intellectual but effortlessly enjoyable. When it comes to interesting soils, The Rocks District ranks with a select few.
PÁŠXA produces two single vineyard Grenache wines each year to show how expressive this variety is. Rockgarden Grenache is concentrated and fruit-driven with intriguing spice notes, and a hoisin note on the palate. This wine is irresistible. Contrast the Rockgarden Grenache with the River Rock Grenache to see a different of expression of Grenache from The Rocks.
2023 VINTAGE ACCLAIM
“The 2023 PÁŠXA Rockgarden Vineyard Grenache approaches The Rocks District from a more restrained perspective than its siblings, opening with lifted scents of rose petal, wild strawberry, and red currant layered with dried chamomile flower. Rather than leading with power, the wine eases onto the palate, revealing finely drawn red fruit that feels precise and quietly confident in its delivery. The mid-palate shows careful construction, where raspberry, pomegranate seed, and subtle savory notes knit together with a silky, measured texture. A gentle herbal nuance reminiscent of infused tea leaves and a smooch of umami adds complexity without interrupting the wine’s natural flow. Balance remains the defining feature as the wine continues to stretch outward, maintaining freshness and poise while gaining dimension. A small production of only 43 cases. Highly recommended.”
– 96 points, Int’l Wine Report
“I’m tempted to call this a gentle wine, given the propensity for Rocks District Grenache to blow you away. This charms with surpassing elegance – detailed floral and berry aromas, neatly layered fruits and highlights of herbal tea. As with the best Grenache from this region, it trails out beautifully, balanced and inviting further examination as it unfolds. A splendid wine to sip and savor.”
– 95 points, Paul Gregutt
“The 2023 Grenache Rockgarden is a translucent ruby color. It opens with a remarkably pretty mix of wild strawberries, shavings of cedar, spiced orange peels and wet stone. A lovely inner sweetness and fantastic purity are displayed as red and blue fruits sweep beneath an air of violet inner florals. This tapers off gently tannic and fresh, leaving a subtle tart cranberry tinge and nuances of clove.”
– 94 points, Vinous
“Another sensational edition of this wine, the 2023 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Grenache opens with cardamom laced ripe strawberry and wet rock with a green herbal edge on the nose. This comes off fresh and viscous with a terrific texture and good sense of weight. Drink 2026-2034.”
– 94 points, Owen Bargreen
“A faint-hued, feral Grenache from the Rockgarden Vineyard, planted in 2007, situated in the highest part of the massive cobblestones in the Rocks District of Milton Freewater. Raspberry leaf, wild green strawberries, and faint notes of rose petals. Pale raspberries, sweet strawberry flesh and sea salt stay fresh as the undeniable Rocks District umami delivers the bassline of brine and smoky soy.”
– 93 points, Decanter
View 2022 Vintage Acclaim
“A whiff of cedary spice and dried roses gives way to wild strawberries, blood orange, sage, black olives and hints of pine as the 2022 Grenache Rock Garden Estate comes to life in the glass. This is opulent in feel yet balanced to the core, with silken textures and ripe red and black fruits elevated by a twang of sour citrus toward the close. The 2022 tapers off dramatically, leaving sweet herbal tones and notes of tart wild berry over a bed of fine tannins. Drinking Window: 2026-2036”
– 96 points Eric Guido, Vinous
“A bouquet of charred earth, crushed red florals, and savory herbs introduces the 2022 Grenache Rock Garden Estate. Juicy raspberries and wild cherries form the core, balanced by accents of orange peel, briny black olives, and hints of rosemary. The wine unfolds with a silky yet weighty texture, effortlessly combining richness and energy. Vibrant acidity and a mineral undercurrent add tension, while layers of sour red plum and smoky spice emerge as it evolves in the glass. The finish is remarkably persistent, tapering off with dried thyme, tart cranberry, and a dusting of cocoa powder over polished tannins. This is a thrilling and multidimensional Grenache, showcasing its distinct origin with clarity and poise. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.”
– 95 points Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
“The 2022 Grenache Rockgarden Vineyard is another perfumed, layered wine from this team. Kirsch, redcurrants, savory flowers, and spicy, meaty notes all define the aromatics, and it’s medium-bodied, with a layered, rounded mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s beautifully made and should drink nicely right out of the gate.”
– 93-95 points Jeb Dunnuck
“This magical wine perfectly matches mixed candied orange peel and jammy berry flavors with the umami highlights of the underlying Rocks District terroir. Accents of coffee grounds and clove are in play, and the balanced tannins frame the finish with hints of barrel toast and charred walnuts.”
– 95 points Paul Gregutt
“A really good wine from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2022 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Grenache opens with bay leaf and gorgeous red fruits on the nose alongside red rose petals and shades of cardamom. The palate is loaded with bright red fruits with a silky texture and marvelous stony essence. With more air the Umami elements really begin to shine, as this is already drinking really well at the three year mark. Drink 2025-2032”
– 95 points Owen Bargreen
“An ethereal savoury character marks this Grenache, one of two single vineyard designates that Pàšxa does each vintage. Smoky rose petals, crushed black basalt minerality, and smoky, briny hoisin sauce mark the aromas. The palate carries a red-fruited vibrance, with dried blood orange and spicy wild strawberries, but it hews to its core of savoury, umami depths as smoked sea salt and a touch of meatiness endures through the finish.”
– 94 points Clive Pursehouse, Decanter
“The 2022 Grenache Rockgarden Vineyard is earthy and herbaceous, with a depth of savory character. Wild strawberry and lavender ride along a supple but intense texture, finding balanced acidity and nuanced funkiness along the way. Enjoy through 2032.”
– 94 points Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck
