2018 Russian River Valley "Two Acres" Red Wine
88% Mourvèdre
10% Carignan
2% Alicante Bouschet
On October 15th, we picked the Petite Sirah, Peloursin, and Syrah from Two Acres, cofermenting them as a single lot. On October 22nd, we went back for the Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Alicante Bouschet. Like the first pick, the varieties in the second pick were indigenously cofermented, using approximately 25% whole cluster. Interestingly, when it came time for blending trials, we found we greatly preferred the second pick with none of the first pick blended into it. Hence, a very Mourvèdre-y Two Acres! Twenty percent new French oak. As usual, unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-garnet. Cherries, cured meat, Damask rose, and forest floor. Oh my! I cannot recall a better smelling Two Acres. On the palate, that luxurious, enveloping Two Acres mouthfeel (reminds me of Häagen Dazs!) with flavors of kirsch, blood orange, game, and brown spices. Fine-grained tannins in the lengthy finish indicate a long life ahead but damn, if this isn’t ever delicious right now. Enjoy from 2022 (if you like your wines young and fresh) to 2032 (if you prefer more secondary characteristics from aging). (MRO - 07/10/20)