WTN: Who needs grenache? (2002 ESJ Rocks and Gravel)

2002 Edmunds St. John Rocks and Gravel, CA
$16 13.8%abv. 65% mourvedre, 25% counoise, 10% syrah.
Major yum. This is such a refreshing wine, even without the usual grenache majority. Great balance of fruit, fennel, lavender aromas and flavor, minerality, spice, good acidity, and soft tannins. When I last had this, about a year ago, the tannins were more forceful, it was hot, and quite honestly, I didn't like it. Now everything is playing happily together.

I ordered a bottle of that in a restaurant a year or two ago (I don't remember the vintage) and it was OK, but I thought it was served too warm. It had a sort of muddy impact. Recognizably Rhonish, but it had no particular character of its own.
I'm happy to see a note about it -- I'll have to have a look in the stores.

Thanks for the note, Bill. I put it aside based on your earlier report -- probably give it another six months, but I'm happy it's coming together.

[James Roscoe]

What is the current vintage out in the stores? Steve's wines are hard to find in Maryland. I can sometimes get them at a place near Baltimore, but it's a hike. I've enjoyed the one's I've tried.

You're most likely to see the '03, which is the current wine in the marketplace. The '04 is bottled, as of 11 or 12 days ago, and should appear later this year or early next.

[David M. Bueker]

You're most likely to see the '03, which is the current wine in the marketplace. The '04 is bottled, as of 11 or 12 days ago, and should appear later this year or early next.

I can't wait for the cool weather...then I can place an order!! Go Mourvedre!!

[James Roscoe]

You're most likely to see the '03, which is the current wine in the marketplace. The '04 is bottled, as of 11 or 12 days ago, and should appear later this year or early next.

Thank you Steve. Now if only I could get it at my BAWS. (Corridor, part of the Total Wine chain) I have to travel all over the I-95 corridor looking for the stuff.

I can't wait for the cool weather...then I can place an order!! Go Mourvedre!!

I may have to bother you about an increase to that order. NH is still carrying the '02's from what I've found.

[David M. Bueker]

I can't wait for the cool weather...then I can place an order!! Go Mourvedre!!

I may have to bother you about an increase to that order. NH is still carrying the '02's from what I've found.

No problem.

Steve, have you secured a direct shippers license to ship direct to customer in Michigan? I can't seem to find your product here anywhere.

Well, I'm glad nobody's talking about Rioja.

Well, I'm glad nobody's talking about Rioja.

Why is that, Dave?
Rioja night was last night...notes coming soon.