2013 Denner Mourvèdre Stratus Willow Creek District

I loved the 2013 Stratus from barrel last year and it didn't disappoint this year. Made from 100% Mourvedre that saw 100% whole cluster and 16 months in 50% new barrels, it's beautifully concentrated and full-bodied, with classic, if not polished and civilized, Mourvedre notes of black raspberries, smoked meats, underbrush and earth. As I commented last year, it's one of the few Mourvedre-dominated releases from California that has real density and depth. Drink it anytime over the coming decade or more.

Author: Jeb Dunnuck