2002 Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre

[Glass_A_Day]

Very interesting as I can't pick out one distinct flavor. Lots of nice fruit but a bit overly tannic. I'm glad I tried it, but don't need a repeat anytime soon. 87 by my count.

[Innkeeper]

If you can find one of Phil Staley's grab it. We breezed through four or five boxes of his '97. Almost became our everyday wine.

[Glass_A_Day]

Thanks IK. I'll keep an eye out.

[joeyz6]

Love Cline's "small-berry" Mourvèdre, if more for curiosity than anything else. The vineyard is planted in Contra Costa County, next to a huge field of eucalyptus trees. You wouldn't believe the effect of the trees on the wine -- it is unbelievably fragrant, with a huge whiff of mint & eucalyptus.

[Glass_A_Day]

Another to look for Joe. Thanks.

[Kcwhippet]

Another one we have (sorry for the crass commercial posts).

[Glass_A_Day]

Actually I just found some. I haven't opened it yet as it is New Year's.

[Glass_A_Day]

Just tried the small berry. Very nice with an interesting herbal overtone which may come from the eucalyptus Joe mentioned. Very different but nice perfume and worth another try. 91.

[winoweenie]

There's 2 schools of thought about eucalyptus trees affecting grapes. Ole' Joe Heitz swore the Marthas' got its' distinctive flavor from the trees next to the vineyard while botonists at UC Davis said no-way Jose.( The original Marthas' vineyard). Either way, the bloomin' mint undertone was aleays there in some degree. WW

[hotwine]

Will try to remember to bring some of the '97 Small Berry to the offline. Still good stuff.