2019 Andremily Mourvedre

The 2019 Mourvèdre may be the best example I’ve tasted of this variety—and it is undisputedly a the top example of varietal Mourvèdre from the U.S. This vintage is blended with 18% Syrah and 1% Viognier and was made with 75% whole clusters. Fruit comes from the Alta Mesa Vineyard, Bien Nacido Vineyard and Larner Vineyard in Santa Barbara County and the G2 Vineyard in Paso Robles. It was matured for about 21 months in 50% new French barriques and 600-liter demi-muids and 50% used barriques. Deep ruby in color, it offers slowly opening aromas of blueberry liqueur, violet, lavender and turned earth with touches of forest floor, mint leaves and coffee beans. The full-bodied palate explodes with layer after layer of nuanced blue fruits, with savory undertones hinting at more to come as it matures in bottle. It has abundant, finely grained tannins, bursts of fresh acidity highlighting its floral perfume and a very long, layered finish. Bottled August 7, 2021, and tasted May 25, 2022, around 490 cases and a few magnums are available. It will be sold as part of a three-bottle set ($330), while magnums will be sold in a box set with the 2019 Andremily No. 8.