2002 Russian River Valley "Two Acres" Red Wine
67% Mourvèdre
22% Petite Sirah
8% Carignane
3% Alicante Bouschet
From a small vineyard planted in 1910, this is unquestionably our finest Two Acres to date, combining the best of both worlds in ripeness and elegance. In this vintage, the Mourvèdre and Alicante Bouschet were co-fermented in one tank while the Petite Sirah and Carignane were co-fermented in another. Both lots were kept separate with the Mourvèdre/Alicante component seeing 28% new Tronçais oak. The final blend was assembled the following spring and bottled unfined and unfiltered after 16 months of barrel aging.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby garnet. Aromas of cured/smoked meats, mace, cardamom, iron, and blood. Plenty of dark berry fruit as well! On the palate, a creamy entry (almost ice cream-like!) leads to explosive flavors of sweet berry fruit mixed with smoked wild game. The finish lingers for a good 30 seconds. Reminds me of some the great old-vine material I've tasted in South Australia. Optimum drinking should be from release through 2008. (MRO - 6/3/2004)