Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Red belly is comprised of 75% Ashurst Vineyard Syrah, 10% Niemi Vineyard Carignane and 15% Sawyer Vineyard Grenache. Each varietal is fermented separately, then after secondary fermentation in barrel, the cepage is finalized after multiple blending sessions. The goal for Red Belly is juicy fruit, integrated tannins and early accessibility with mid-term ageing potential. The silkiness and forward fruit profile of the Red Belly will make this vintage irresistible in its youth.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The latest release for this cuvée, the 2021 Red Belly checks in as 75% Syrah, 15% Grenache, and the final 10% Carignan, all of which is from Mendocino fruit. It's always a good value, and the 2021 is no exception, offering a solid nose of peppery red and black fruits, herbes de Provence, leather, and assorted baking spice-like nuances. Charming, medium-bodied, beautifully textured, and absolutely delicious, this classy red is drinking great today, yet I see no reason it shouldn't keep nicely through 2031. It might be the finest example of this cuvée I've tasted.
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 large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.