1997 Staley Mourvedre

[Innkeeper]

1997 Philip Staley, Russian River Valley, Staley Vineyard, Mourvedre ($16.00). Brief refresher: Mourvedre (more-VED-ruh) is a Southern Rhone grape, probably originally coming from Spain as grenache did, that is in most C-D-P blends, and is the primary grape in rose' and red versions of the increasingly popular Bandol wines. It has been grown for a long time as a "field grape" in California and Australia where it is also known as mataro.

This New World version from Rhone Ranger Philip Staley is a winner. It is big (14.2%) and simultaneously soft wine that has potential to match with a great variety of foods. We popped it with a mixed grill. The color is worth dwelling on. The inky dark ruby saturation is absolutely sensuous when held up to the light. The wine offers plums and blackberries on the nose and upfront. Spices, chocolate, and smooth, smooth tannin run across your palate. The finish goes on and on. A 5% shot of grenache gives a boost to both the fruit and the texture. A very nice wine.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 09-01-2001).]