Cline, Contra Costa County, Ancient Vines, Mourvedre 2007 Give this some air as it is a little reductive upon first opening. In the mouth the black fruit is apparent with ample acidity and light body. P&B in Sonoma 15% $10.99 at Bottle Barn Cline Cellars
Cline, Contra Costa County, Small Berry, Mourvedre 2007 There’s a fair heft of eucalyptus in the nose, acknowledged by the winery and a result of the bordering eucalyptus trees. In the mouth there is a sense of the old world with the horsey side of brettanomycees showing itself. The fruit is sourced from the family’s Small Berry Vineyard in Contra Costa and the vines are centurions. P&B in Sonoma 15% $26.99 at Bottle Barn Cline Cellars
Imagery Estate Winery’s 06 Mourvedre is an excellent example of this spicy black grape.Winemaker Joe Benziger sources the fruit from Shannon Ridge Vineyards in the High Valley, north east of Clear Lake. The hot days/cold nights give this wine bright and deep fruit. The spiciness gives it a wide range of adaptable food pairings.
After a trip to Bandol a few years ago I have a special place in my heart for this grape. I only wish that more producers in the states would take it up but I do realize that it’s harder to sell than Cabernet. Ray