WTN: 2014 D&R Mourvedre Santa Barbara Highlands

[David M. Bueker]

2014 Dirty and Rowdy Mourvèdre Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County (4/30/2016)
A year on this is still brighter than any Mourvèdre I have ever tasted. It has come together over the last 12 months, with the red fruit and citrus elements dancing together rather than to different orchestras. Saline overtones and a hint of cinnamon spice fill out the dance card.

Good wine, but my least favorite of the D&R bottlings.

[Jenise]

I'm reminded of an especially bright Swan Mourvedre I once had. Maybe 99? It had pinot-ish body which would have been a problem to someone who demands Bandol from every Mourvedre they meet, but I fell in love with it. I recall Matt Garretson whose own style was so different said of the same wine that it was so unexpectedly beautiful, it made him 'cry'. Anyway, I was able to get a case, and the wines aged very well. I don't know if you have more after this, but if you do--hopefully, you see gains in every bottle.

[David M. Bueker]

Last one of this wine. Allocations are pretty small. I only had 2. There are so many other D&R bottlings that I don't worry much about it. The acids are pretty high in most of them, and Pinot level body is high for some! This is the only one where I felt the balance point was not quite right.