I usually feel a bit uneasy when I read "ancient vines" on the label. As someone once said: "In California, they just can't plant those ancient vines quickly enough." That kind of cynicism is a bit harsh for this wine. While these "ancient vines" probably would not be considered even middle aged in France or Italy, they clearly are capable of producing some good juice.
About 25% of this wine is aged in new American oak, but the winemaker has done his job well because it's barely noticeable and certainly takes a back seat to the distinctive deep fruit/mineral smells and flavors. Dark plums, blueberries, violets and Mourvedre spice. Has a luxurious mouth feel and a lovely range of flavors and textures. Slightly tough, as young Mourvedre wines tend to be, and with hints of the pleasures to come with 8 to 10 years of aging.
This wine reminds me of the many inexpensive Spanish Mourvedre wines (Yecla Carro, Yecla Castano, Jumilla Casa Castillo, Luzon Verde) now on the market. Even at a price ($15 to $18) two to three times higher than these wines, it is still well worth buying.
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I've been reading a lot of history books about wines, and I think you must add some links about it to strangers the main point about all this work, I mean you've knowing about wines but you should add more informative links. I think those ancient vines must be delicious, so I will buy a bottle of Luzon Verde.
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