2007 Relic Ritual
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Tasting notes
(55% mourvedre, 22% grenache, 15% syrah and 8% petite sirah) Good bright red. Musky aromas of strawberry, pepper and exotic flowers, lifted by spices and an exotic suggestion of apricot. Sweet, lush and fat but with good lift and firm tannic support. The sexy flavors of strawberry, raspberry, tree bark, pepper and spices are unadorned by new oak (just one of the eight and a half barrels was new). Very subtle, delicate wine. The mourvedre vines are planted on red volcanic soil.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2007 Ritual is a provocative blend of Rhone varietals - 55% Mourvedre (from Pope Valley), and the rest Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. Its deep blue/purple color is followed by notes of damp earth, forest floor, fresh porcini mushrooms, meat, tree bark, flowers, and blue as well as black fruits. Because of the ripe Mourvedre component in this full-bodied, chewy 2007, the tannins are sweet, not astringent. Drink this mouthfilling as well as teeth-staining wine over the next 7-8 years. The case production from this small, artisinal winery is generally between 135 and 200. Tel. (707) 967-9380; Fax (707) 967-0724