2023 Mourvèdre
Tasting Notes
Our 2023 Mourvèdre is a medium-bodied wine that exhibits distinct varietal characteristics, including fresh blueberry jam, sweet plum, and huckleberry, complemented by vibrant pipe tobacco aromas and subtle layers of white pepper. The palate features a silky texture and balanced acidity, revealing secondary notes of black cherry juice and bramble berry, with hints of ground black peppercorn. The finish is marked by velvety tannins and toasted sandalwood. This wine is well-suited for food pairing and is recommended for enjoyment now through 2034, with optimal maturity anticipated around 2030.
Awards
2021 Vintage - 88 Points, Vinous
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage in Washington State was what we like to call a “normal” year. A mild winter gave way to a cool early spring, followed by record-high temperatures in mid-April that jump-started vine growth. Steady spring weather allowed for healthy development and well-balanced crop loads. June and July brought intense heat (among the hottest on record), accelerating ripening and leading to slightly lower natural acidity. Despite the rapid pace, 2023 produced an exceptional vintage. The whites are vibrant with tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the reds show depth, dark berry flavors, refined tannins, and great aging potential.
Winemaking Notes
Our Mourvèdre is sourced from our estate vineyard in the Yakima Valley using reserve-tier grapes. Harvested in mid-October at peak ripeness, the grapes were fully destemmed but not crushed, then optically sorted before being transferred to a small stainless steel tank for fermentation. Following a 48-hour cold soak, the wine was warmed and underwent wild fermentation with native yeasts, enhancing depth and darker flavor expression. Gentle extraction techniques, including morning punch-downs and evening pump-overs, were used to achieve balance and highlight the distinctive characteristics of the Mourvèdre grape. The wine fermented dry on skins for approximately 14 days, with temperatures carefully regulated not to exceed 86°F. After fermentation, the wine was gently pressed and transferred directly into French oak barrels, where it was inoculated for malolactic fermentation. Upon completion, the lees were stirred in each barrel for two months to enhance texture and finesse on the palate. The wine was aged for 22 months in French oak, consisting of 75% two-year-old barrels and 25% neutral barrels. This combination achieves an optimal balance, enhancing aromatics and adding layers of creaminess and complexity without overwhelming the wine with excessive new oak influence.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal byproducts used in the production of this wine)
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: 94 cases
- Alcohol: 13.4%
- pH: 3.61
- Acidity: 6.1g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2034, with optimal maturity around 2020.