Winemaker Notes
Orience has black/blue fruit with spice, earth and elegance in spades. It's with this cuvée that the mountain microclimate really shines through.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Black cherry and raspberry skip together on the nose with a hint dried field herbs. Flavors suggested on the nose are echoed on the palate in proportional intensity. Pair with turkey burgers, beef short rib and skirt steak.
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Wine Spectator
Smoldering notes of roasted plum, dried blackberry, savory spice and anise meld together in this brooding red. Rose petal, garrigue and hot stone details dovetail on the finish, with muscular tannins. Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Drink now through 2029. 600 cases made, 50 cases imported.
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.
Recognized for its concentrated and sultry reds made predominantly of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this western Languedoc appellation is also famous for the charming and delicate fortified Vin Doux Naturel called Muscat de St. Jean de Minervois. The dry rosé and white wines of Minervois are also worth seeking out.