2004 Mediterranean Red
88 cases produced 54% Grenache,26% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah
Aromatically, very intense, complex brambly fruit with blackberry and raspberry notes. Bright, vibrant, and vigorous on the palate with a very long spicy, refreshing finish; somewhat reminiscent of a southern Rhone wine, like Chateauneuf. Very pure, richly textured and well structured, with ripe, refined tannins. Enjoyable now, will age gracefully for at least 5-6 more years. A versatile food companion.
Allocation: pre-release club 12 / public allocation 6.
Awards
Powered by fruit, acid and minerals, this northern California version of a Côtes-du-Rhône Village wine is bold and robust without being rustic. The wine matures for three years(!) in one-to-six-year-old oak barrels and puncheons. Black currant, black cherry and plum flavors are layered with wild berry, blueberry and mulberry and very intense elements of lavender and licorice. The wine is dense and chewy, with earth, minerals and moss, briers and brambles percolating in the depths. Tannins are barky, leathery and fairly austere, though the wine never loses its grip on balance and integration. Drink now, with braised or grilled red meat dishes, through 2012 to 2015 or ’16. Production is 88 cases. Excellent.
Awards for all vintages of this wine