2015 Sonoma County "The Integral" Red Wine
56% Syrah
44% Mourvèdre
Inspired by my love of Grange des Pères from L’Herault, this is one of the most exciting new wines we’ve released in a long time. Since we have The Derivative, it was only natural then to have its counterpart, the anti-derivative, or in mathematical parlance, the integral. From the Radiant Ridge Vineyard 1200’ above Bennett Valley (it actually looks down upon Cardiac Hill), the vineyard is planted to clone 470 Syrah and clone 369 Mourvèdre in soil that is more volcanic rock than dirt. Our goal with this wine is to coferment the two varieties so we have the Mourvèdre farmed aggressively to bring it into a window of ripeness with the Syrah. The Mourvèdre is put into tank as whole cluster while the Syrah is fully destemmed on top of it. The result is some serious good juju! Regrettably, we have precious little of this inaugural vintage. There will be much more going forward.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-purple but not quite opaque. A gorgeous old-world-y, savory nose of black olives, charcuterie, cinnamon, and whole-cluster spice. The aromas alone are a total turn-on! The wine enters medium-full bodied with flavors of earth, dark berries and plums, and savory herbs. Impeccably balanced, silky tannins emerge in the long finish. While enjoyable now for its spice and exoticness, this wine will age well. Enjoy from release through 2030. (MRO – 07/18/17)