Bottle Study: Grenache is GreatMonday December 8th 6:30-8:30 pm at Light Sleeper
bottle study, vol 4: grenache is great
December 8th, 2025, 6:30-8:30 pm
hosted by Ezra and Jackson at Light Sleeper - Chophouse Row, Capitol Hill, Seattle
Bottle Study is a monthly series of tastings that will give us the opportunity to open up dope bottles in a small setting for learning, discussion and enrichment. taste with a Master Sommelier who can give illumination and background on some amazing bottles that are allocated, hard-to-find, or otherwise unattainable.
Grenache is king in my mind. It's probably my favorite grape. And there's no greater Grenache than Château Rayas, that mysterious cottage on the hill in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It was my first real epiphany wine, and one that has continued to supply show-stopping experiences over the years. So rather than sell the one bottle I have to the highest bidder, we're going to drink it.
I've been planning this for a few years. But I had no idea that I would be doing this tasting only a couple weeks after the untimely passing of the esteemed and venerated Emmanuel Reynaud, late scion of Château Rayas, who made the wine we'll be drinking. This is a celebration of Emmanuel's life and work as well as a celebration of the Grenache grape itself. We're also tasting wine from those inspired by Emmanuel's work–like Comando G from Spain, whose wines have also become quite hard to find.
This Bottle Study will be hosted by our friend Ezra at his restaurant Light Sleeper in Chophouse row on Capitol Hill. Ezra will be around to hang out and enjoy with us. Arrival is from 6 onwards, with our tasting starting at 6:30. This will be a quasi-religious wine experience, so I will be passing out some light reading before the night of, because knowing what you're getting into certainly enhances the experience.
This is a small round-table tasting that will allow for an intimate atmosphere where exploration, learning and questions are encouraged. Tickets are limited, as we intend it to keep this a small group and a relaxing atmosphere. This price includes the wine we'll be drinking, as well as some nice bites. Not a seven-course dinner, but you won't leave hungry.
Some of the wines for Monday the 8th (these are subject to small changes depending on stock - but of course the Rayas is non-negotiable!)
Yangarra High Sands Grenache, McLaren Vale, 2021
Terroir al Límit Les Manyes Priorat Rouge 2019
Comando G Las Iruelas El Tiemblo Garnacha 2020
Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 (current wine-searcher pricing...up to $2500 per bottle)
these four ($3000 retail value) form the core of "oh shit, you're opening that?" wines, although we certainly will have more to pop and pour. We may also have a very special sommelier joining us.
bringing a fun bottle to share is of course welcome, but never expected. I also pop fun things out of my own cellar for tastings like this!
Light Sleeper is located at 1424 11th Ave Suite D, Seattle, WA 98122 - street parking or rideshare recommended, as there is not really any dedicated parking.