Wine of the Day

2009 Quivira Mourvedre Wine Creek Ranch Dry Creek Valley

Mourvedre

Written by Fred Swan

Created on Monday, 09 April 2012 19:45

Mourvedre is a very late ripening variety. In Dry Creek Valley, with its sun, warmth and relatively dry Autumns, the grapes can ripen fully in most years. It’s Mourvedre wines shows better balance between savory and sweet than is found in wines from many of its French growing regions. The 2009 Quivira Mourvedre is a fine example.

This wine is dark ruby in color and opens with aromas of leather, black pepper, savory spices, black cherry and black berry. The palate follows suit but emphasizes the dark fruit and non-pepper spice. With a little time breathing in the glass, and perhaps rising a degree or two in temperature, the leather and black pepper dissipate almost completely. Chocolate emerges in their place. The tannins also evolve. Out of the bottle they are very fine but grainy. Later, or with a bite of meat, they are pleasantly powdery and add depth to the wine’s body. The 2009 Quivira Mourvedre is a very good, modern Mourvedre focused on spice and fruit with hints of the grape’s wild background which make it interesting but don’t compromise approachability. Decanting is not required. Drink now through 2015. Try it with smoked duck breast. Highly Recommended.

2009 Quivira Mourvedre Wine Creek Ranch Dry Creek Valley
Rating: Highly Recommended
Drink: Now through 2015

Release Date: October, 2011
Closure: Cork
Production: 294 cases
Retail Price: $32.00

Winemaker: Hugh Chappelle
Blend: 88% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache
Origin: Dry Creek Valley
Fermentation: 100% destemmed (but not crushed), native yeast, small open-top fermenters
Aging: 18 months in French oak puncheons (500 liter) and foudres (600 gallon)

Alcohol: 14.3%

The wine above was received from the winery for review.

If you like Rhone wines, don’t miss the upcoming Hospice du Rhone on April 27 & 28. For a taste of HdR, take a look at these articles too:
Looking Forward to Hospice du Rhone 2012
10 Big Wine Events to Look Forward to in Early 2012
Recap of Hospice du Rhone 2011 - Day One
Recap of Hospice du Rhone 2011 - Day Two

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This article is original to NorCalWine.com. Copyright 2012 NorCal Wine. All rights reserved.