TerroirFrequency Wines draws its fruit from select parcels across California’s Central Coast, where a confluence of maritime influence, abundant sunshine, and diverse soils provides a natural home for Rhône varieties. The 2023 GSM benefits from a long, temperate growing season, with cool Pacific breezes moderating the warm days and keeping acidity high while allowing Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre to ripen fully. The vineyards contributing to this blend typically sit on sandy loam and decomposed granite—soils that limit vigor, heighten aromatic lift, and accentuate textural finesse. The region’s dramatic diurnal shifts preserve freshness in the fruit, giving Frequency’s wines their hallmark combination of vibrancy and generosity. Winemaking & Technical NotesThe 2023 GSM is crafted in the classic Southern Rhône model but with a distinctly California sensibility—lush fruit wrapped in structure and energy. Grenache leads the blend, providing brightness, red-fruited charm, and aromatic spice; Syrah brings color, depth, and a darker mineral edge; Mourvèdre adds savory nuance and earth-driven grounding. Hand-harvested fruit is destemmed but kept largely whole-berry to encourage gentle extraction and preserve purity. Fermentation occurs in small open-top vessels with periodic punchdowns for control and finesse. Aging typically takes place in neutral to lightly-toasted French oak barrels, allowing integration without imparting overt wood character. The final blend is assembled with an emphasis on seamless texture, lifted aromatics, and a sense of fluid balance that mirrors the winery’s ethos. Tasting NotesThe 2023 GSM opens with an expressive, high-toned bouquet: wild raspberry, cherry compote, pomegranate, and red plum, accented by rose petal, white pepper, and a flicker of thyme. As it unfolds, deeper notes emerge—blueberry skin, crushed violets, licorice root, and a touch of warm sandstone. On the palate, the wine is silky and medium-bodied but notably layered. Grenache’s plush red fruit forms the core, immediately accessible yet refined, while Syrah lends a cool-toned blackberry and graphite dimension. Mourvèdre’s influence arrives in the mid-palate, offering savory edges of cured meat, lavender, and dusty earth. The tannins are fine-grained and lightly gripping, giving structure without weight. Bright acidity pushes the finish long and pure, with lingering impressions of cherry, garrigue, and cracked pepper. This is a harmonious, inviting GSM—bright enough for casual drinking, but complex enough to reward attention. Food Pairing & ServiceThe wine’s balance of fruit, spice, and freshness makes it exceptionally versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as lamb kofta, roasted chicken with herbs, or a tomato-and-olive pasta. Its floral, red-fruited character also complements wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie boards featuring prosciutto and aged gouda, or grilled vegetables like eggplant and peppers. Serve at 58–62°F in a Burgundy bowl to maximize aromatics. A brief 20–30 minute decant can bring added openness and silkiness, especially in the first year after release. This wine is ready to enjoy now but will evolve gracefully over the next 3–5 years.
