2003 Russian River Valley "Two Acres" Red Wine
75% Mourvèdre
18% Petite Sirah
5% Carignane
2% Alicante Bouschet
Mourvèdre! Going places never gone before! Seriously, it's usually a nail biter to get the Mourvèdre ripe in this cool location. But in this vintage, with a very light crop and perfect Indian Summer weather, the Mourvèdre hit ripeness levels similar to some of my favorite Bandols of France. While each variety in the vineyard was picked separately, this year we co-fermented them (minus the Mondeuse of course) to have better fermentation dynamics. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Black ruby in color. A very deep, sexy nose of blackberries and blueberries laced with scents of iron and licorice. Oh yeah baby!!! On the palate, full-bodied, even creamy, with a fruit filled, moderately tannic finish. Easily the most deeply fruited Two Acres we've produced. Similar to the '99 but with more concentration and much better acidity and structure. Totally slurpable now, it should drink well through 2010. (MRO - 8/7/05)