Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
An 85% Syrah-based wine, co-fermented with Viognier, the 2023 Field Blend GSM comes from the excellent Perli and Valenti vineyards, Valenti in particular providing the Grenache and Mourvèdre. The grapes were 80% whole-cluster fermented, and the resulting medium-bodied wine dazzles in the glass in shocks of white pepper, pink fruit, and purple plum. This is a lively, textured, electric, and energetic wine that’s elegant and light on its feet.
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.
Essentially a northern extension of the Sonoma Coast AVA but part of Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge is one of the rare appellations defined by elevation only. The Mendocino Ridge AVA is reserved only for vineyards at or above 1,200 feet between the Anderson Valley and Pacific Ocean.