7/22/2014
Working on my Mourvédrucation here in Tahoe with two interesting ones…
Donkey and Goat 2012 Mourvédre “The Prospector” El Dorado 14.1 $30
Truly artisan in everyway, from the grassroots cellar door I picked this up at over the weekend to the first pour in the glass. Dull red with gray orange hints on the rim. Some olive brine and black olives themselves waft up among the bright pinot-like red cherry aromas. Some watermelon fruit and green stemmy flavors creep out as well. Drifts in fruit forward and soft and then finishes with the brine and tart acidity. The tannins are easy going for this variety, and the crew here did an excellent match with the old wood for aging. Not for everybody, but captivating enough for me and great with some bites.
Juicy Rebound 2010 Evangelho Vineyard Mourvédre Contra Costa 14.2 $35
There’s no way in hell I’d pay 35 bucks for a wine called Juicy Rebound with the following written on the back label: “Juicy Rebound is a second chance to score: you can go five-hole, shoot it up top where Mom keeps the peanut butter, off the paddle or dangle once and deke the goalie.” But I was coaxed into it by the excellent vineyard source, 50 case listed production, and by the manager at Mill Valley Market claiming this as one of the best Mourvédre wines he’s ever had, made by the former winemaker at Jade Mountain. I can’t imagine I’m the only one on the board who’s picked one up, but if so, I’m stoked I did. Alcohol level is nearly identical to the D and G. The wine is darker and thicker in appearance, and the aromatics are off the charts: black licorice, savory meat, subtle raisin, tea, and neutral wood spice. Absolutely stellar production and very much on the young side at the moment.