Given that our microclimate is similar to that of Frances Southern Rhone region coupled with our proprietors penchant for this variety, we planted 2.5 acres on a single lot. The Mourvèdre clone selected traces its lineage to Château de Beaucastel, renowned for its expressive red blends highlighting this variety. WINEMAKING NOTES Mourvèdre is usually the last variety to ripen on our estate. Always hand-picked in the early morning hours, the cool fruit is whisked to the winery a few hundred yards away. Grape clusters are then rigorously hand-sorted and gently destemmed, with a small percentage of whole clusters included for aromatic complexity. Fermentation is conducted in small open-top tanks with daily punching down. After approximately two weeks, the tanks are drained off and the skins gently basket-pressed. The new wine is quickly settled for 48 hours, and then transferred to barrels to finish fermentation and start aging. In early spring, after the malolactic fermentation is complete, the blend is assembled, and moved to finish aging in French oak foudres to continue softening texture while retaining freshness. THE WINE A rustic, earthy edge that we love dominates this medium-bodied wine. The deep purple color has a noir tone to its edges. The nose is at once full of earthiness, Mediterranean herbs, and mixed dark berry fruit. Notes of stewed jam, sarsaparilla, pencil shavings, roasted meats, light white pepper, plum, blackberry, black cherry, and crushed rock all fabulously intermingle. The palate mimics the nose with a finish of spicy minerality. This is our first Mourvèdre offering since 2013. Tasting that and the 2012 vintage from our library tell us that 2018, with its grippy, young tannins, will continue to drink well through 2026-2027. Mourvèdre is so food-friendly, its like your favorite Aunt came for dinner and made everything perfect. Explore with eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, Manchego with a dollop of membrillo, grilled meats, pissaladière pizza (caramelized onions, anchovies, and black Niçoise olives), and nearly any dish with truffle oil. Made with Organically Grown Grapes TECHNICAL NOTES APPELLATION: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County VINEYARDS: 100% Wine Creek Ranch, CCOF-certified organic COMPOSITION: 98% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache
