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Winery of the Week:
Inviting Rhone Reds from the Livermore Valley

The Livermore Valley, located just southwest of the San Francisco Bay, is an ideal area for growing Rhone grape varieties. Yet, it seems to slip under most people's radars. Well, not ours. Here are some of the fine red Rhone wines that our panel sampled from the region.

Click on labels to enlarge

Longevity 2009 "Deb.ru.ee" Blend
Winery: Longevity
Grape(s): 48% Syrah, 25% Mouvedre, 20% Grenache, & 7% Petite Sirah
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 35-40

Review:
Aromatics of black cherries, plums, and blackberries interweave with cocoa and clove on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry that meld with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate. A rich, dark wine with plush tannins, fans of smooth red blends will enjoy this bottle. 104 cases produced.
Rating: 90

Dante Robere 2012 Syrah
Winery: JDante Robere
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 30-35

Review:
Fragrances of cherries, plums, and blackberries coalesce with hints of bacon and spice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, plum, and bramble fruit accented by notes of smoked meat and pepper on the palate. A smooth Syrah with plush flavors, fans of easy-going reds with robust flavors should try this bottle.
Rating: 88

Fenestra 2010 Mourvèdre
Winery: Fenestra
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 25-30

Review:
A bouquet of cherries, plums, vanilla, and pepper rises up from a glass. Flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and plum mingle with suggestions of spice, vanilla, and minerals. A lighter, vibrant red with smooth tannins, enjoy a bottle with grilled chicken or mild Mexican dishes. 170 cases produced.
Rating: 89

Fenestra 2010 "Infrared" Blend
Winery: Fenestra
Grape(s): 43% Grenache, 39% Syrah, & 18% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 30-35

Review:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries come together with notes of tobacco and vanilla on the nose. The palate offers flavors of cherry, strawberry, and red currant framed by traces of clove, minerals, and white pepper. A lighter red with bright fruity highlights, it's a great wine for summer cookouts. Just 83 cases were made.
Rating: 88

Fenestra 2009 Syrah
Winery: Fenestra
Grape(s): 94% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, & 2% Grenache
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 25-30

Review:
Aromas of bramble fruit and plums meld with notes of game, vanilla, and toasty oak on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry accented by nuances of pepper, leather, and vanilla on the palate. Rich and bold, enjoy a bottle with gourmet sausages now or give it a few years to age in the cellar. 186 cases were made.
Rating: 89

Les Chesnes 2012 Mourvèdre
Winery: Les Chesnes
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 30-35

Review:
Fragrances of dried cherries, red currants, minerals, and white pepper greet the senses. Notes of raspberry, cherry, and red currant interweave with hints of spice, earth, and cedar on the palate. A lighter wine with plush tannins, fan of easy-going reds with an earthy, spicy character should try this bottle.
Rating: 88

Les Chesnes 2011 Syrah
Winery: Les Chesnes
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 25-30

Review:
Notes of cherries and blackberries are accented by gamy and mineral suggestions on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of bramble fruit and black cherry that unfold into traces of dusty earth and spice. A dark Syrah with robust tannins, this wine will pair well with gamier meats like lamb or venison.
Rating: 87

By Jason Barlow

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

 

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