2009 J. Lohr Gesture Mourvèdre

The 2009 growing season in Paso Robles was warmer and drier than average, followed by a heavy rainfall event on October 13th that attenuated ripening of late-maturing varietals. This vintage followed the third consecutive year of below-normal winter rainfall in the Paso Robles AVA, with just under 7 inches recorded at our home ranch weather station. In 2009, our Mourvèdre ripened one week earlier than Grenache, which is unusual for us.

VINEYARDS

Fruit for our 2009 J. Lohr Gesture Mourvèdre was grown at VZZ vineyard (formerly Gravity Hills), located in the Willow Creek district on the western edge of the Paso Robles AVA. These ten-year-old vines are planted on a steep, southwest-facing lime-shale hillside. The 23% slope in this block makes even just walking the vineyard very difficult. Our farming plan brings the crop to one cluster per shoot for this large-clustered variety, and in order to intensify flavor and color, it requires trimming off the wings and the lower third of the clusters shortly after set. We hand-harvested into half-ton bins on October 21st -- a full week after an unusually heavy rainfall in mid-October. Palate length was extended by blending 12% Syrah clone 877.

TECHNICAL DATA

Winemaker's Comments

“Mourvèdre is also known as Mataro or Monastrell among dozens of other synonyms, and is believed to be native to Spain. The 2009 J. Lohr Gesture Mourvèdre is very dark with a violet hue. Inviting aromas of black pepper and plum open up to Bing cherry once tasted. Soft on the palate with crisp acidity, this vintage leaves cardamom spice on the finish.”

—Steve Peck, red winemaker

Food Pairings

This wine is excellent with all the specialties of southwestern France, such as pork roast or pan cooked fois gras, or with prosciutto tapas with fig and brie.

Vineyard

Price: $30.00 750ml

Wine Fact Sheet: 

G_09Mourvedre_Short.pdf