Winemaker Notes
Blend: 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache,5% Syrah.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Abundant blue fruits with raspberries and subtle roasting herbs lead to a palate that has a very elegant, sanguine and refreshing feel. Bright tannins. Some mocha to close. Elegant structure with length and balance. 75% mourvedre, 25% grenache and 5% syrah co-fermented.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blockbuster Mourvèdre is the 2014 Gratitude Olsen Brothers Vineyard, which incorporates 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah, all of which was cofermented with no destemming and aged 18 months in neutral demi-muids and puncheons. From a higher elevation site (1,400 feet) in the Yakima Valley, its deep purple color is followed by killer notes of blueberries, crushed rocks, Asian spices and exotic, peppery nuances. This full-bodied, seamless and impeccably balanced 2014 will keep for at least a decade.
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Wine Spectator
Dynamic and rich in personality, with blackberry, tobacco and green olive aromas and dense but polished flavors that move at a clip toward mineral-tinged tannins. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah.
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Wine Enthusiast
This blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah brings crushed flower, dried herb, plum, black pepper and red fruit aromas. The palate shows velvety red and black fruit flavors that feel pure and balanced.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
As the first recognized wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest, Yakima Valley is centrally located within Washington’s vast Columbia Valley. The region also includes Washington’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, Otis Vineyard, planted in 1957, and Harrison Hill Vineyard, planted in 1963. Yakima Valley contains three smaller sub-regions: Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain and is ideal for both red and white wine production. In fact, Yakima Valley is Washington’s most diverse region, boasting more than 40 different grape varieties over about one hundred miles.
The cooler parts of the valley are home to almost half of the Chardonnay and Riesling produced in the state! Both are made in a wide range of styles depending on the conditions of the vineyard site.
But its warmer locations yield a large proportion of Washington’s best Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The finest Yakima Valley reds are jam-packed full of red cherry, currant, raspberry or blackberry fruit, as well as cocoa, herb, spice and savory notes, and exhibit a supple texture, great body, focus and length.