2007 Russian River Valley "Two Acres" Red Wine
84% Mourvèdre
6% Petite Sirah
5% Carignane
3% Alicante Bouschet
2% Syrah
In 2007, we hit the Holy Grail of growing wine grapes in California – maturity at moderately low Brix! The result? An old-vine, Mourvèdre-based wine that should put a smile on even the grumpiest of die-hard Bandol fans. Aged in all French oak, 17% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-garnet. Complex aromas of red berries, underbrush, rose petal, cardamom, and game. Quite smooth on entry with flavors of cherry, tree bark, spice and licorice framed by suave and gentle tannins on the finish. A very feminine and elegant Mourvèdre, more reminiscent of something from Châteauneuf-du-Pape as opposed to Bandol. Hard to resist now but has the ability to age well and develop for at least a decade. (MRO – 07/17/09)