2023 / Willow Creek District Mourvedre
The Mourvèdre, which was challenged by the heat in 2022, had a much better 2023, yielding a nicely balanced fruit near the end of October - the final pick of 2023. We had 3.1 tons from the 1.1 acre, a good yield after dropping fruit early and again mid-ripening. This gave us a good volume to work with for our additional blends for 2023. For the Mourvèdre bottling itself, after optimizing our blends, we topped up our single neutral 228L Mourvèdre barrel with 50 liters of Grenache for an 88% - 22% mix. This is in contrast with the 10% add of Syrah in 2022 used to give a needed boost that first vintage Mourvèdre. The 2023 addition of Grenache gave the Mourvèdre some additional red fruit flavor profile and acidity for a fresher palate but really created a nicely balanced Rhone varietal (even if it's not 100%). Elevage was 15.6 months at just 8% average new oak.
The 2023 Mourvèdre was painstakingly curated with organic farming practices, small-batch winemaking and a reverence for site expression
- Flat to gentle slopes at Block 1
- Mourvèdre from Clone 369
- Calcareous limestone and clay loam
- Elevation range of 1,270 to 1,295 feet
- 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean
- Organically farmed vines
Vinification
- A special selection from one 228-liter new French oak barrel
- 7-day cold soak followed by fermentation in stainless tank
- 25% whole cluster cold soak and fermentation
- Aged for 15.5 months in an average of 8% new oak
- Includes 10% estate Syrah for added dimension and complexity
Analysis
- Alc. 13.8%
- TA .54
- PH 3.63
- Cases 23
2023 Willow Creek district Mourvedre
Tasting
Notes
The 2023 vintage opens with raspberry fruits that show trailing notes of violet, truffle and sweet amburana woodspice. The palate is soft and rounded with flavors of cranberry, cherry, plum spice and eucalyptus, while feral gamy accents are faithful to the Mourvèdre grape’s native charm. Supple textures gain a hint of tannic grip on a chewy yet nimble finish.
Reviews, Kind Words &
Accolades
Loamy, almost meaty aromas are threaded with spiced cherries, making for a layered and balanced profile in the glass. On the palate, this is a well-defined, tactile wine whose 22% grenache lends lift and energy. Black raspberries, purple plums and dried herbs are dusted with oak forest floor and incense. Drink or hold.
—93 points, Brian Freedman, jamessuckling.com / September 2025
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