2010 Gramercy Cellars Mourvedre- USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (2/20/2019)
Inky dark purple red with a bramble, loganberry nose. On opening was a bit jammy, but on the second night started to shine and the mourvedre started to exert its character of acid and chewy tannins resulting in a nice balance on the reserved side while still showing considerable fruit and body. Getting a bit of lemon cola. Leveled off and night three similar to night two. Should last darn near for ever with a little decant for now, I just open and give a night on the counter. (92 pts.)
Years ago on recommendation I bought a case of '07 Jumilla Monastrell which was a bit austere for my tastes at the time which went more toward bold fruity Syrah. I would be interested to see how I would like it now. Over the years I have come to appreciate the more restrained mourvedre and blends. I have some '11 Rasa Vox Populi, I only buy from the cooler vintages now, they take a bit of time as evidenced by the austerity the BP MSG blend, so no hurry to open.
Mourvedre continues to be one of my favorite varieties to work with. I have not explored many WA ones but I should. The ‘challenge’ to me with so many domestic mourvedres are they are simply too ripe and therefore taste like ‘generic reds’ rather than having the fruit/funk dichotomy that I adore about the variety.