Winemaker’s Note: A Rhône blend, at its core, is a wine crafted from grape varieties originating in France's Rhône Valley. Typically, these blends showcase a harmonious marriage of grapes like Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, and often Grenache. While the Rhône Valley allows up to 13 different grapes in wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most common combination is Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM). Our specific Rhône blend is a tribute to this classic style, crafted exclusively from Syrah and Mourvèdre. It's a nod to the iconic GSM blend, but with a distinctive twist: the "G" is silent, or rather, intentionally absent. This pairing of Syrah and Mourvèdre creates a wine with rich complexity, showcasing the unique character of these Rhône Valley grapes.
On the nose: stewed plum, flint, dried red pepper flakes, blue cheese, barnyard, boysenberry, gravel/mineral
On the palate: Medium bodied with great acidity, some pepper (but not the show!), plum, blueberry, hint of raspberry, soft herb finish with a silky mouth feel. This is a great food-pairing wine!
Tech Details:
AVA
Columbia Valley
Varietal Composition
56% Mourvèdre
44% Syrah
Vineyards
55% Olsen
33% Red Willow
12% Upland
Oak Program
12% New American
44% Once Filled
44% Neutral
Cases Produced
225
Alcohol %
14.2%
Volume
750 mL
About Foundation wines:
Each vintage, we select a series of extraordinary wines upon which our reputation will rest. These "Foundation" wines represent the best we have to offer. Built from the earth up, in partnership with talented farmers and mother nature, these bottles are born from carefully chosen rows of vines rooted in thoughtfully cultivated land. Focus by a devoted husband-and-wife team, combined with charm from every unique barrel create wines that truly honor each varietal. Our approach is simple and solid: we buy the most spectacular grapes available and treat them with respect - this is the integrity that we demand. After all, structural integrity always depends on a solid foundation.
