Small Batch Series: Intinction Merlot-Grand Cru (2020)
Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, California, United States 🇺🇸
Sour / Wild Beer - Flavoured Series Out of Production|
Score
7.17
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Bottled September 18, 2020 (Released to Club Year 2)
We took standard Intinction Merlot barrel aged beer and added an even larger portion of Merlot grapes to the beer and aged it for an extended period of time
We took standard Intinction Merlot barrel aged beer and added an even larger portion of Merlot grapes to the beer and aged it for an extended period of time
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8.6/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 9
Flavor 8.5
Texture 8
Overall 9
510mL bottled Sep 18, 2020, drunk Mar 15, 2026.
Extremely minimal pop upon uncorking.
Smells incredible, though. If this is low carbonation, then this beer must be intense, because you still get a ton of aroma without the aid of the C02. Super easygoing, aromatic grape character with a fruity, playful, not-too-intense, and most importantly, not over-expressed/over-attenuated Brett. Still a bit of malt (white bread, cookies) and a slight bit of easygoing oak in the background. No big acidity.
Mmmmm...low carbonation indeed. Minimal, leaving, yes, a bit of a more watery body. Very much disagree with the previous rater that this is too tannic, or that the lack of carbonation hurts this. This is fruity, funky and ebullient with a good dose of acidity, but far from overbearing. Definitely blurs the line between wine and beer, which I'm sure Vinnie intended here, and with the other small batch grape beers. Really, really wonderful stuff viewed as a wine/beer hybrid, not so much a fruited saison. Been really jonesin' for some good wine lately and this really hits the spot. So much flavor and soft, silky tannin on the palate, but never builds up to too much acidity. Soft funk undercurrent is a lovely touch, too.
Extremely minimal pop upon uncorking.
Smells incredible, though. If this is low carbonation, then this beer must be intense, because you still get a ton of aroma without the aid of the C02. Super easygoing, aromatic grape character with a fruity, playful, not-too-intense, and most importantly, not over-expressed/over-attenuated Brett. Still a bit of malt (white bread, cookies) and a slight bit of easygoing oak in the background. No big acidity.
Mmmmm...low carbonation indeed. Minimal, leaving, yes, a bit of a more watery body. Very much disagree with the previous rater that this is too tannic, or that the lack of carbonation hurts this. This is fruity, funky and ebullient with a good dose of acidity, but far from overbearing. Definitely blurs the line between wine and beer, which I'm sure Vinnie intended here, and with the other small batch grape beers. Really, really wonderful stuff viewed as a wine/beer hybrid, not so much a fruited saison. Been really jonesin' for some good wine lately and this really hits the spot. So much flavor and soft, silky tannin on the palate, but never builds up to too much acidity. Soft funk undercurrent is a lovely touch, too.
Tried
from Bottle
on 15 Mar 2026
at 20:15
7.2/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 8
Flavor 7
Texture 6
Overall 7
Poured from a 510 ml bottle dated September 18, 2020. Aroma is grape forward with lots of Merlot notes as well as some grape must. Fairly fruity with plum and cherry notes with hints of berries. Medium light tannins and light oak. Light alcohol notes and faint grain notes. Pours a pinkish red color with a small, thin, forced, slightly pink head that recedes quickly to the edges and disappears. No lacing and faint legs. Flavor is fairly dry with a medium light acidity and light grain notes. Moderate bitterness and light alcohol notes. Moderately strong Merlot notes with nice plum and cherry notes. A good amount of tannins and must notes. Hints of oak. A bit of a watery finish. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with very low to almost no carbonation. Low astringency and low alcohol warmth. Overall, an alright beer but the lack of carbonation really hurts the flavor and mouthfeel. Nice grape notes, especially in the aroma. A bit too tannic.
Tried
from Bottle
on 28 Apr 2024
at 05:59