2003 Sonoma County "Three Birds" Red Wine
71% Dry Creek Valley Grenache, Unti Ranch
21% Dry Creek Valley Mourvèdre, Unti Ranch
8% Russian River Valley Syrah, Atoosa's Vineyard
Once again, our Grenache blend is as seductive as ever. Funny… although we always start with a clean slate when we come up with this blend, we always seem to arrive at approximately the same percentages – heavy on the Grenache, a good dose of Mourvèdre, and just a splash of Syrah. We’ve discovered that Mourvèdre is very complementary to Grenache, adding complexity without overpowering the Grenache character. Too much Syrah, however, and the Grenache character is lost. The wine was aged in all French oak, only 15% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium ruby. Hi-toned, perfumed aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, and strawberry with sinister notes of spice lurking in the background. On the palate, smooth as silk. Really seductive. An incredible burst of Grenache fruit on the finish. Not as big as the 2002 with more elegance and less tannin than the 2001. A very pretty wine! Drink from release through 2007. (MRO - 3/3/05)