Mourvedre/Monastrell

This is blend of 46% Mourvedre, 31% Syrah, 18% Grenache, and 5% Counoise grapes.  Tasted from a 375ml bottle.  In a full bottle, these will age wonderfully.  In this format, they should still age well, but this was a great chance to check in on the wine.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has plums, black raspberries, black cherries, spice and char.  On the palate, this has a lovely texture.  Energetic.  Medium tannins.  Right now, the black cherries dominate but that will change as it ages.  Delicious.  Good finish.  This should be versatile with food and go well with fowl or meat dishes and r

A blend of 57% Mourvèdre, 29% Grenache and 14% Syrah.  Deeper ruby in color, purple at the core.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, some floral notes, black pepper and spice.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  Black cherry fruit with some black raspberries over a slight char and a slight dried lavender note.  Good balance.  Lots of energy.   Good finish.  This is drinking well now and while it might not get better it should morph a bit darker with age.  It will work well with stews and casseroles.  It should drink well for the next seven to ten years.  

The 2012 Saxums have been pretty open since release although they did recently (last two years) go into a slightly shut down phase.  No worries, this bottle was pop and pour and drinking quite well. A blend of 73% Syrah and 27% Mourvedre  Inky purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, black pepper, slightly roasted meats and spice.  Full bodied with a lovely big texture.  Lots of black raspberry fruit on the palate with some blueberries over a bit of char and pepper.  Long finish.  There is a lot of alcohol here but it is not noticeable.  This is delicious if not for everyone.  Most

A very nice showing for this wine that is just starting to come out of its shell.  Pop and let breathe for 30 minutes (not decanted), it took about another hour to open up.

This is a producer who first got recognition for their fantastic Gigondas wines.  They have since expanded their releases all over the southern and northern Rhone.  Their Chateauneuf is also stellar.  It is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 10% each of Syrah and Cinsault.  Deep ruby in color, purple at the core.  The nose is tight upon opening.  With air, raspberries, black raspberries and mineral/gravel emerge.  On the palate, this is delicious.  Lots of black cherry fruit with some raspberries.  Medium tannins.  Bright acidity.  This will work well with roasts and casseroles.  I

This is made from Monastrell (Mourvedre).  It was great to get a chance to revisit as it had probably been ten years since last tried.  It is a tremendous value in wine.  Deep ruby/purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, dust, blueberries and vanilla.  On the palate, this is slightly sweet/rip with black raspberries, slight blueberries and char.  This is also delicious.  It drinks great on its own and will work with ribs or burgers.  I suspect it ages for five to seven years, but have never tried that as it drinks well young.  A great option on restaurant lists as well.  

This is one in a series of Tawny "Ports" made by Penfold's.  It has very attractive packaging although no longer in the wood box.  Made in a Solera style, the minimum blended age is 20 years old.  The Solera currently contains vintages from 1960 to 2004.  Mostly Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache and Mourvedre but others as well.  Iced tea in color.  The nose is a bit oxidized (in a good way) with brown sugar, toffee and crème brulee.  On the palate, this is viscous.  Lots of caramel notes.  Some heat.  There is a nice depth to it.  Long finish.  This will work well on its own or with toffee/carame

This is a big young wine.  It is delicious, but will need some time.  it is a blend of 70% Monastrell (Mourvedre) and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Purple in color.  The nose is big.  The nose has black raspberries, smoke, black cherries, and dark chocolate.  With air, some baking spices come out.  On the palate, this is ripe, slightly sweet with black raspberries and plums.  A bit of spice.  Firm tannins.  Long finish.  This is accessible now but will improve as the tannins and fruit integrate.  In the meanwhile, it is delicious on its own.  With age it will work well with roasts and casseroles

This is a blend from Paso Robles.  It is 75% Grenache, 21% Mourvedre and 4% Syrah.  At age ten, it is still youthful but drinking great.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, graphite, black pepper and spice.  On the palate, this is big and full bodied.  Slight tannins.  Lots of black raspberry and black cherry fruit.  Great mouth feel.  Long finish.  This drinks great on its own and will work with roasts or grilled foods.  It will drink well for the next ten to twelve years.  

This is always one of the better values in Rhone wines.  They make two cuvees, this being the better of the two.  This is a blend of  40% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is great with black raspberries, black cherries, plums, spice and smoked herbs.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  Complex.  The fruits carry thru.  Light tannins.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  This drinks well on its own but also works well with a wide variety of foods.  Works with casseroles, pizza or grilled foods.  It will continue to mature for a couple more year