Winemaker Notes
Blend: 65% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Back when it was still Syrah-dominated, the 2007 Heartstone Vineyard checks in as 65% Syrah, 21% Grenache, and 14% Mourvèdre that was fermented with plenty of whole clusters and aged in barrel. It's still deep purple color is followed by a gorgeously complex, nuanced bouquet of spiced plums, incense, pepper, thyme and assorted herbs. Huge, full-bodied, still structured, big, and youthful, it's unquestionably the top vintage of this cuvée.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The late-released 2007 Heart Stone, which spent 28 months in a combination of barrels, demi-muids, and pungeons, turned out to be a final blend of 65% Syrah, 21% Grenache, and 14% Mourvedre. Like all of Justin Smith’s 2007s, it is a riveting, sensational wine that carries its heavy weight, profound richness, and intensity very gracefully. That is no doubt an effect of the limestone soils of this region. Blackberry and smoked meats as well as some garrigue and floral notes are followed by a dense, rich, pure, multi-layered wine that just screams for grilled poultry or meats! Bottled unfined and unfiltered (and as I recall, 25-35% stems/whole clusters were used during fermentation), this is a fabulous wine that combines power and elegance. It should drink well for at least a decade or more.
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Wine Spectator
There's amazing harmony and range of flavor in this red, which offers richness, elegance and finesse, with blackberry, wild berry, plum and cherry fruit that's full-bodied, smooth-textured and layered, opening doors of flavor on an amazingly long, intricate finish. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2022.
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.