Winemaker Notes
60% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A new cuvée based on a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre (20% whole clusters, from a younger site planted 8 years ago, the 2015 Plum Orchard (Name is TBD) is made in an elegant, silky, and seamless style, with complete notes of kirsch, incense, white pepper, orange peel and dried flowers. Silky and polished, with terrific balance, it's going to drink nicely for a decade (92-94)
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.
Pacific ocean breezes enter through the gap for which it is named. The Templeton Gap District is characterized by cooler days and nights and is made of broad alluvial terraces with vineyards at elevations of 700 to 1,800 feet.