2011 Sonoma County "Three Birds" Red Wine
51% Dry Creek Valley Grenache, Teldeschi Ranch
27% Sonoma Valley Grenache, Rossi Ranch
13% Sonoma Valley Mourvèdre, Rossi Ranch
3% Sonoma Valley Mourvèdre, Bedrock Vineyard
6% Russian River Valley Syrah, Papa’s Block
Through the grapevine (pun intended), I had heard horror stories about growing Grenache, that it can be quite the fickle mistress. Well, after 2011, count me in the club that has been slapped hard in the face by the variety. With inclement weather at bloom, many Grenache clusters at Rossi Ranch shattered so badly that they had literally only five or six berries. Some even fewer than that! Stems rather than berries probably accounted for more of the 1.007 tons we picked off 2.5 acres. Fortunately, however, we had a small amount of tasty Grenache from Ray Teldeschi in Dry Creek. Using that, along with some Papa’s Block Syrah and Mourvèdre from both Rossi Ranch and Bedrock Vineyard, we were able to fashion a killer blend of 78% Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre, and 6% Syrah. As usual, aged in all very old, neutral oak barrels. Lightly egg white fined to polish the tannins but bottled unfiltered
Tasting Note:
Medium ruby-garnet. With swirling and aeration, aromas of kirsch, orange zest, and sandalwood emerge from the glass. On the palate, a smooth-as-silk entry leads to flavors of cherry and smoked meats. Very captivating and interestingly, somewhat reminiscent of a red Burgundy. Medium-full bodied. A very elegant and pure wine that will age quite well. Enjoy from late 2014 through 2021. (MRO –0 1/17/13)