Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2003 Cuvee Moriah, which is a blend of 69% Grenache, 18% Syrah, and small quantities of Mourvedre, Counoise, and Roussanne, was aged in both larger pungeons and smaller barrels. A dark plum/purple color is followed by scents of kirsch liqueur, raspberries, Provencal herbs, and lavender. Rich, ripe, and full-bodied, it is a luscious, heady red that recalls a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape from the Rhone Valley. It tips the scales at 16.4% alcohol.
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Wine Spectator
A ripe, vibrant, complex Syrah, with juicy wild berry, raspberry and blackberry fruit that's intense yet elegant, with lively acidity and firm but ripe tannins and a twist of white pepper. Acidity is cleansing on the finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Roussanne.
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.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.