Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Heart Stone Vineyard is a blend of 51% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 13% Mataro, 6% Petite Sirah and 3% Touriga Nacional, aged 21 months in various vessels, including 53% amphorae and 37% new oak. It has a medium ruby color with scents of blackcurrants, crushed black cherries, tar, dried herbs, tilled soil and red fruit sparks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with jammy black fruits, with a touch of chew to the texture and just enough freshness, finishing a tad warm.
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.
