Palate
Our Ancient Vines Mourvèdre offers distinct chocolate characteristics and a luscious deep plum flavor.
Growing Conditions
The 2015 Ancient Vines Mourvèdre draws from some of our oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing vineyards. These blocks produce fruit of stunning concentration. We reach this concentration as a result of sensitive farming practices, the singular Oakley terroir, and a unique cooling band of air that flows in from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. By naturally restricting yields to only 2 to 3 tons per acre we are able to achieve a sublime expression of the Mourvèdre fruit. These grapes hold characteristics of dark, dusty berry fruit that makes our Ancient Vines Mourvèdre so lustrous.
Winemaking
Individual lots of grapes were harvested separately according to ripeness and balance of acidity. Grapes underwent total de-stemming and a very gentle crushing to ensure a large proportion of whole berries in the must. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks with select cultured yeasts. It was then maintained at the ideal temperature to aid in the extraction of flavor and color.
Aging
The wine was pressed off its skins at dryness before being racked to dark toasted American Oak (approximately 30% new) where it was gently aged for 15 months and then stored in neutral cooperage.
Food Pairing
This scrumptious and unusually delightful wine goes exceptionally well with grilled lamb or pork, sautéed asparagus and curried deviled eggs.
