2009 Sonoma County "Three Birds" Red Wine
65% Sonoma Valley Grenache, Rossi Ranch
12% Dry Creek Valley Grenache, Teldeschi Ranch
17% Sonoma Valley Mourvèdre, Rossi Ranch
6% Syrah Sonoma Valley, Rossi Ranch
It’s a funny thing… Each year we produce this wine, we begin with a clean slate, making no assumptions as to what the final blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah should be. Yet, each year, we arrive at a blend nearly identical to previous years. If nothing else, I guess we’re consistent in what we like! This year’s blend is 77% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, and 6% Syrah. Eighty-eight percent of the wine comes from the organically farmed Rossi Ranch with the remaining 12% (Grenache) emanating from Teldeschi Ranch in Dry Creek Valley. Aged in all neutral French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark ruby-garnet. Enticing aromas of cardamom, sandalwood, orange peel, and kirsch liqueur. The wine enters smooth and round, with flavors of cherry, spice box, and truffle. Gentle tannins build from mid-palate through the long finish. Although my favorite Three Birds to date (we’re beginning to understand Grenache!), I suspect this wine is holding something back at the moment and will develop and age exceptionally well. Either enjoy on release or wait a few years and drink from 2013 through 2021. (MRO – 3/15/11)