Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2012 Heart Stone Vineyard is 43% Syrah, 41% Grenache and 16% Mourvèdre that was aged mostly in concrete (the ’11 was aged 100% in concrete) yet also saw some new and neutral puncheons. Fermented with 40% whole clusters, it’s a big, burly effort that has beautiful creme de cassis, black raspberry, crushed violets, vanilla bean and exotic flower-like qualities all emerging from the glass. It too has a structured feel, with high, yet ripe tannin, so short-term cellaring is also advised here.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Heart Stone Vineyard is 43% Syrah, 41% Grenache and 16% Mourvedre that was aged mostly in concrete (the ’11 was aged 100% in concrete) yet also saw some new and neutral puncheons. Fermented with 40% whole clusters, it’s a big, burly effort that has beautiful creme de cassis, black raspberry, crushed violets, vanilla bean and exotic flower-like qualities all emerging from the glass. It too has a structured feel, with high, yet ripe tannin, so short-term cellaring is also advised here.
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.
