Winemaker Notes
When I first visited this incredibly compelling vineyard, I instantly commented that it was like stepping foot on the planet Mars. A west-facing slope of rocky red volcanic soil studded with white rhyolite 1400’ above Glen Ellen, perfect for making Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah struggle to grow. Heaven. Mars!
Blend: 50% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
Well-built and keenly focused, this blend offers an array of flavors, from raspberry jam and dried cherry to spiced cinnamon, loamy mineral and chunky chocolate. The flavors glide toward a plush finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2024.
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.
Covering the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, facing the city of Sonoma, Moon Mountain District is one of Sonoma’s newest sub-appellations. Here the well-drained, red volcanic and ash soils produce hauntingly intense red wines, mainly from Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.