2002 Sonoma County "Three Birds" Red Wine
61% Dry Creek Valley Grenache, Unti Ranch
31% Dry Creek Valley Mourvèdre, Unti Ranch
8% Dry Creek Valley Syrah, Del Carlo Ranch
Two thousand one was the first vintage for our Grenache-based wine "Three Birds". Although we were pleased with the results, we knew we could do better. And better we did! After fermenting each component separately, we assembled the best blend possible the following spring. The Grenache brought intense kirsch liqueur-like fruit. The Mourvèdre spiced things up with mace, tree-bark, and earth. The Syrah contributed color and mouthfeel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in January 2004.
Tasting Note:
Medium ruby. Explosive, fragrant aromas of red fruits - cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate with earthier, spicy notes lurking in the background. On the palate, quite rich and full-bodied. Not as elegant as the 2001 but surprisingly much more harmonious and complete with no rough edges. A real step up from the 2001. Drink from release through 2007. (MRO - 11/3/04)