Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Graviere G.S.M. is a blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 25% Mourvedre sourced from the Upland Vineyard and aged in seasoned French oak for 10 months. Underbrush, brier, pepper (white and black), black cherry, and blueberry notes are followed by a layered, loaded, succulent wine that craftily combines elegance and power.
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Wine Enthusiast
Jon Martinez, who arrived in Washington barely six years ago, is knocking the ball out of the park. Improving with each new release, he has locked in a stellar collection of vineyards, and made Rhone-style wines his focus. This is a revelation. Pure berries, cassis, rock, earth, licorice, and a hint of baking spices. Gorgeous.
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Wine Spectator
Tangy style balances ripe, vivid blackberry and cherry flavors with vibrant acidity and refined tannins, picking up a hint of coffee on the finish. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.
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.
A seven-mile long anticline ridge with a peak at nearly 1,300 feet, the Snipes Mountain AVA has rocky soils and is home to about 30 different grape varieties. It was also one of the first regions in Washington State to plant Semillon and Pinot Noir.