Winemaker Notes
A pretty nose that speaks clearly of Mourvèdre in its elderberry and blackcurrant fruit and its eucalyptus and soy marinade umami notes. On the palate, black cherry and musky mulberry fruit, new leather, and a loamy richness that suggests a lovely meaty note will develop with time. The firm but ripe tannins maintain order and lead to a long, spicy finish. This is an Esprit that will drink well young, but don't let this trick you into thinking it won't have the stuffing to age.
Blend: 40% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 5% Counoise, 3% Vaccarese, 1% Cinsaut
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This blend of 40% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 5% Counoise, 3% Vaccarese and 1% Cinsaut reflects the experience that this winemaking team brings. Aromas of red plum baked in puff pastry, crumpled rose petals and dusty herb on the nose lead into a palate that's both grippy in texture and generous in flavors of strawberry, bay leaf and pepper.
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Vinous
Opaque violet. Lush dark berry and floral scents pick up suggestions of candied flowers, allspice and espresso as the wine opens up. Pliant and expansive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet blackberry, blueberry and fruitcake flavors sharpened by a spicy jolt of cracked pepper. Velvety tannins build steadily through the finish, which hangs on with strong, spicy persistence.
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Wine Spectator
A gutsy blend, yet retains a sense of finesse, delivering distinctive raspberry and dried cherry flavors highlighted by savory cracked pepper and garrigue as it gathers tension toward a firm finish.
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.
