Winemaker Notes
Turtle Rock Vineyards Plum Orchard is a very pleasing Grenache based blend. Both the Grenache and Mataro are grown in decomposed sandstone that gives way to elegant red fruit and spice. This wine is handsomely full bodied but with fine, soft tannin and a lasting finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Plum Orchard is elegant and perfumed, with a medium ruby color and bursts of red plum and rhubarb fruit on the nose, accented by tones of autumn leaves, citrus peel, bitters and olive. The medium-bodied palate is silky, super fresh and layered, finishing with detailed earth and floral-laced fruits.
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.