2022 Mourvedre
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Mourvèdre is a medium-bodied wine with expressive aromas of black plum, blackberry jam, and black cherry, complemented by hints of white pepper. On the palate, it presents a silky texture and a voluptuous mouthfeel with well-balanced acidity. Secondary flavors of seared beechwood, fresh cigar box, and bramble berry culminate in a finish accented by black peppercorn, velvety tannins, and a touch of toasted oak.
Awards
2021 Vintage - 88 Points, Vinous
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2022 vintage in the Yakima Valley was a bit of a roller coaster. A mild winter extended into spring with early frost periods and winter-like conditions in April. The cool spring delayed bud break by a few weeks and caused delayed growth in the vineyard as we moved into summer. Each vineyard block was meticulously managed to ensure a ripe crop by harvest. We lowered clusters per vine and allowed for more sunlight exposure. By mid-July, temperatures finally started warming up and led to record growth in a short amount of time. Fortunately, warm summer temperatures extended into fall, helping to lengthen the growing season and allowing the grapes to continue to ripen. Harvest ended up being delayed approximately three weeks from a typical year. We gratefully did not experience any fall frost events, so the grapes had extended hang time on the vines to achieve optimal ripeness and excellent flavor development. Overall, the 2022 vintage displays ripe flavors, bountiful fruit aromas, and balanced acidity. The wines can be enjoyed in their youth, or they can cellar for many years to come.
Winemaking Notes
Sourced from reserve-tier blocks on our estate vineyard, the Mourvèdre grapes were harvested in mid-October at peak ripeness. The grapes were 100% destemmed, sorted with an optical sorter, and transferred to small stainless-steel tanks. After a 48-hour cold soak, we allowed a wild fermentation to take place, harnessing the grapes’ native yeasts to deepen flavors and add complexity. To ensure balance and showcase the unique traits of Mourvèdre, we employed gentle extraction methods: morning punch downs and evening pump overs to enhance oxygenation. Fermentation lasted about 14 days, with temperatures carefully controlled not to exceed 86°F. After fermentation, the grapes underwent gentle pressing and were transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. We stirred the lees in each barrel for two months to create a rounder mouthfeel and enhance finesse. Aged for 20 months in a mix of 30% new, 35% two-year-old, and 35% neutral French oak, this blend allows the wine’s exotic aromatics to shine while contributing layers of creaminess and complexity without overshadowing the vibrant flavors.
Food Pairing
Smoked Brisket with BBQ Sauce
Pan-fried Venison with Blackberry Sauce
Blue Cheese Bison Burger with Bacon Caramelized Onions
Cumin-Crusted Lamb Rack with Mole Sauce
Stuffed Eggplant with Quinoa and Spices
Spicy Lentil Stew with Vegetables
Sharp Cheddar, Aged Gouda, or Manchego
- Varietal Composition: 100% Mourvèdre
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Cases Produced: 112 cases
- Alcohol: 13.7%
- pH: 3.60
- Acidity: 6.0g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2032, with optimal maturity around 2029.