Mourvedre Wine Tasting – Episode #603

January 5, 2009

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes 3 wines made from the Mourvedre grape.

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Comments on this episode(185) Leave a comment ›

“The Mourvedre that I’ve had have been from the Paso Robles area. Denne…” by Denner Grl
“Interesting show…. a wine i’ll have to try in the future. QOTD: No…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
View all 185 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Cline Ancient Vines MourvedreSonoma Other Red Wine
2006 Turkey Flat MourvedreAustralian Mourvedre
2006 Domaine Tempier Bandol TourtineBandol

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

How To Get Your Wine Palate Trained. – Episode #148

185 Responses

January 5, 2009

Phil G
See Gary, now Chad is breaking all the Miami hearts. Hoping for a Steelers and Giants Super Bowl.

Now some wine.
January 5, 2009

Jens
Hi Gary,

First time dedicated mourvèdre/monastrell.

Jens from Copenhagen
January 5, 2009

Vanguy
Looking forward to this!
January 5, 2009

Toby (DK)
Hej Jens!

Rart at se nogle flere danskere har fundet WLT!

Hvor lang tid har du set Gary’s “show”?
January 5, 2009

Mojave Joe
Top ten! Happy New Year!
January 5, 2009

MagnumGourmet
Top 10…Woo Hoo!!!!!
January 5, 2009

Dr T in NC
QOTD as a minor (under 30%) part of a blend, Mourvedre brings a lot. I’ve yet to have a wine over 50% Mourvedre I’ve really really liked
January 5, 2009

Arcy
Hmm…interesting. Always looking to try something new. I’ll have to put Mourvedre on my list.

Thanks, Gary!
January 5, 2009

moonbot
happy new year Gary!

i daresay i’ll have to check me out some Bandol Mouvedre – a good alternative to hermitage and chateau-neuf you say? sounds good to me!
qotd – i’ve only ever had mouvedre as a partial blend of other variatals — be it syrah, merlot.. looking forward to trying it out!
January 5, 2009

Jens
Hi Toby

Jeg har kendt Gary siden august 2006, dvs. da ’showet’ var ca. ½ år gammelt. Har imidlertid også mødt ham tre gange, hhv. i april 2007 og i oktober 2008. Sidste gang til Wine Library’s ’super tasting’.

Jens from Copenhagen
January 5, 2009

Slushpuppy
Gary: You’ve had shows with PaPa and little brother; how about a show with MaMa and little sister?
Smell it first. TR
January 5, 2009

SteveW
Hey GV and Mott – Never heard of Mouvedre, but I am a Shiraz fan so I’m intrigued. A few side notes for future shows….

- If GV was going to live on an island for the rest of his life and he could only take 5 bottles of wine with him, what would they be?

- If GV’s best friend was going on a date and wanted to impress the girl with a red, what would it be?

- When it comes to value wines in 2009, will we see Columbia Crest?

Peace, SW
January 5, 2009

Lawrence Leichtman
Movedre is one wine I don’t get enough of. Mostly I drink Montastral from Spain though I have had the4 Bandol wines several times. I have had on that was 30 years old and quite drinkable. I think Cline gets overlooked because it is so far south that few people seem to get there but they do have some good wine values. I will keep trying Oz wines but I have been so turned off by everything I have had recently it is hard to get excited about them.
January 5, 2009

Glenn P
Dude- thank you so much for doing a Mouvedre show- I requested it a while back and its so awesome to see! Definitely one of my favorite grapes. Big ups.
January 5, 2009

CBG
does the clio count? if so I like it…
January 5, 2009

Scott EJ
Thanks for the info. I’ve always wondered about Mouvedre as a varietal. But, (qotd answer)I’ve never had any other than in blends; and those are mostly either from CdP or Australian GSM’s. I do, however, have some in my cellar that I’m waiting on.
January 5, 2009

Toby (DK)
>Jens

Nååhh – det var måske dig han ref. til da han smagte nogle super vine sammen med en gæst, og prøvede at beskrive “rigtig” lakrids(?)

Har desværre ikke mødt ham personligt endnu – sidst jeg var i USA (sidste år), havde jeg desværre ikke tid til at tage turen til New Jersey.
Har dog skrevet lidt sammen med ham (dengang han havde god tid til den slags), hvor vi har talt om at mødes, hvis han skulle slå vejen forbi lille DK en gang…

…Nå men det var da rigtig sjovt at støde på dig. Håber at fange dig i kommentarerne en anden gang
January 5, 2009

wayno da wino
top 20 ?!!? yaabaa daabaa dooooooooooooooooooooo !!!
January 5, 2009

Jens
QOTD: Domaine Léon Barral, Vallinière, Faugères. Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Forresten, Toby, hvor længe har du kendt the Thunder Show? Hvis du ser denne episode: http://tv.winelibrary.com/2008/10/14/party-time-at-wine-library-episode-557/ og går hen ca. lidt før 21:00, kan du høre Gary Vee referere til mig, som står lige til højre for Mott og kameraet.

Jens
January 5, 2009

the Michael Schneider
Overpriced, but damn good. I like how you tell it like it is Gary.

Not sure I want my wine to taste like flaming big wheels though, do I?
January 5, 2009

Jens
>Toby,

Ja, jeg har afgivet endnu en kommentar med et link til den episode fra oktober, hvor Gary refererede til mig, men den afventer moderation. Sjovt at du husker det med den franske lakrids.

Lad os mødes her på siden en anden gang.
January 5, 2009

Loweeel
Top 20! Go Mourvedre!
January 5, 2009

TenaciousE
Mourvedre? Mainly the budget jones Spanish stuff (meh) and the odd Rhone Ranger blend (now that I think about it, I’ve had a few ESJs with a healthy chunk of mourvedre that were just wonderful). I know there’s a Bandol or two around here, but I figured they needed a few more years of sleep yet …
January 5, 2009

*/^_^\*
qotd: just some GSM’s….tho it sounds like a wine i would be very much into…
January 5, 2009

John Farrin
QOTD: The 2004 Le Galantin (thank you) and the 2005 Castano Hecula Yecla (a very good $10 play). Like the varietal very much.
January 5, 2009

SAMMY S
Hey Gary, Interesting show on the mourvedre…Not a common wine made entirely on its own, great blending wine.

QOTD: My experience with Mourvedre is that I actually made 75cases for a client at our custom crush faciliy here in Victoria, Australia. I found the wine to be very tannic when it was very young, the tannins rounded out over time and it became a beautiful full bodied red with excellent red rose and dark plum characters… very interesting wine to work with
January 5, 2009

barrel monkey
Had a 93 Tempier – that’s pretty much my only experience. It was old, and had some off-notes on the nose, but it was really well balanced on the palate and had lots of interesting funky woody earthy smells.
January 5, 2009

Rowland
Hoot Hoot
January 5, 2009

wayno da wino
Yo G, COOOOOOOOOOOOOOL Episode!!! Liked the Sexy(?) Tasting Technique
Ya did with the Bandol……

qotd: Rhone Blends, Aussie Blends, & California Rhone Ranger Blends….
Don’t think I ever had a Mourvedre only Vino.
January 5, 2009

Jay
QOTD: Mainly had them out of Spain, or blended with Syrah from France. In my experience, I enjoy it more in a blend than on it’s own, but still nice.
January 5, 2009

Mark Fitzpatrick
Another great show…

Next time make Mott sweat a bit. Take a stroll downstairs and help someone find some wine. Leave Mott on camera for 5 minutes.

OH DAMN!!! How bout a Biggie show on January 15th. Something that will be fitting for Notorious BIG.

Mark
January 5, 2009

BobbyTiger
QOTD……………… I wanted to date Mourvedre as soon as I heard about her. But when I heard that she had expensive taste, I knew that I could not afford her.
Alas………we shall never meet.
I am forever saddened.
January 5, 2009

my2cents
Happy new year!

Nice phone ring at the end.

Good show thanks for showing us your dazzling knowledge of grapes and their different names around the world.

I have not taken many chances to try Mourvedre but will make it a point to try some soon.
January 5, 2009

Neil
QOTD: Never had Mourvedre on its own, usually it’s blended with Grenache and Cinsault, etc.

You only used the word “play” once today when decribing a wine. Good work.
January 5, 2009

Pete G
Great job disecting today. The scalpel was definetely out.

QOTD: The most amount I have had is monastrell. I find Spain does a good
job w/ this varietal at a reasonable price. Jumilla is the place.
January 5, 2009

mrfroopy
Quivira and Of Course Tablas Creek.. mouvedres, as well as some from washington.
January 5, 2009

sam
Happy New Year to all of you out there!

Mouvèdre has been under the radar for me. It’s not something I have had much of. I have had two Bandols however: a Château Pibarnon and a Mas de la Rouvière. The latter was the best, mainly for it’s price point.

Keep ‘em coming Gary V.
January 5, 2009

Andy
QOTD– Just in blends G ….. We will tasting a blend from Paso Robles next week in our Wine tasting group that has Mourvedre it it …….. Hope it brings the Thunder………..
January 5, 2009

JimChem
QOTD: I have had Monestral (sp?) from Spain which I liked. I would love to do a Mourvedre tasting for our group but it would be had to find 6 here in Washington.

Good show.
January 5, 2009

Antony
It’s an interesting one. Have been smart to the Jumilla Monastrell’s for a while and even went to Jumilla to seek some out… got the hire car stuck down a very narrow street, as you do, and it was pouring with rain. There’s also that bodega in Yecla that produces great Monastrell. I’m down with it, so long as it avoids being too jammy.
January 5, 2009

Tiffany
Happy New Year Mott and Gary!

I have not had the chance to try any Mourvedre, but I put it on my palette-expanding list just a few minutes ago. Thanks!
January 5, 2009

A King
Not much on Movedre but Bandol rocks it! Thanks Gary. When are you coming to Texas?
January 5, 2009

Bobby
La Bastide Blanche Bandol is reasonable at around 22 bones and a fine example that I have tried and enjoyed
January 5, 2009

Ray Barnes
Happy New Year Gary, I have not had mourvedre as a monocepage, but always blended with other varietals. A good show.
January 5, 2009

sharon
Haven’t tried Mourvedre but plan to put it on the list. I like the name and I do like cinnamon! Happy 2009
January 5, 2009

mrfroopy
That single vineyard Bandol is very very young .. to drink right now.. one wants to drink the basic cuvee.
January 5, 2009

M
QOTD: I can’t recall which Mourvedre wines I’ve had. I’ve had them though. I’ve had Mourvedre and Monastrell. I’ve seen Mataro. I recently had a Cline blend of grenache, syrah, mourvedre which was nice. It was Cline Cashmere. Part of the profits are donated to breast cancer research. I drank it with close friends which made it quite nice.

E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles
January 5, 2009

Eduardo
Great show Gary! I never tried nor know those wines….keep on expand our palads….by the way….when do you come to Argentina? we´re waiting for you….don´t forget me….please…
January 5, 2009

GlennB
Hi Gary,

interesting show and I personally love Bandol and down the road Mouvedre based wines.
I stayed in Bandol a few years back. Was a huge follower of the K Lynch book “adventures on the Wine route” and because of his info led me to my other note here. Tempier was “discovered ” by Kermit Lynch Via Richard 0lney (expat american food writer) who also has a nephew making ridge wines (Zins).

want to say about Tempier wines they express for me, France. good bad and totally misunderstood.

Glenn
January 5, 2009

PeterT
I’ve been trying to expand my palette and you turned me on to the Taja Reserva from Spain which is a blend that has 50% Monastrell (Mourvedre). I really love the complexity of this wine and it’s a tremendous value to boot.

I’ve had the Cline Mourvedre in the past and thought it was a fine bbq wine.
January 5, 2009

David Dadekian
QOTD: Not really any. Thanks, Gary.
January 5, 2009

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD: I’ve had more than 20 and less than 50 bottles of Mouvrvedre…it’s a great blending grape as someone else mentioned…and it’s also known for holding fruit flavors well in the process of aging. I think it works well with Cabernet as we’ve seen with El Nido and Clio…but I prefer the more elegant versions from France over the fruit forward versions of Spain, USA, and Australia. That’s my $.02
January 5, 2009

Derek F
Great to have you back Gary, these long weekends kill me..:-)

QOTD: my only experience with Mourvedre is in Bordeaux wines, haven’t tried it as a single variety yet.
January 5, 2009

Nic
Excellent épisode !

Mes expériences en matière de Mourvèdre: Mourvedre Terre Rouge Amador County et Chateau Pradeaux (Bandol). Bien aimé le côté épicé et fumé des deux, avec le Pradeaux plus tannique que le Terre Rouge.

Bonne année à vous deux, GV et CM !
January 5, 2009

JonE
If you’re gonna do mourvedre you have to do Tempier (totally requisite).

QOTD: CNDP’s,CDR’s, a few decent Spanish bottles and a little Bandol rose here and there. I rarely see the domestic market taking a serious interest outside of Tempier for Bandol. And its really hard to find a domestic producer doing varietal mourvedre.
January 5, 2009

RANDI
GARY!!! <-NOTORIOUS!!!
Thought you were in Vegas?
I have had Turkey Flat Shiraz…and I liked it. Have not had their Mourvedre..or that varietal at all..YET.
QOTD: None..will seek out…
xoxo
January 5, 2009

Susan
Gary & Chris, Another fabulous episode!!!!!!! Love the energy!!! Also love mouvedre!!!!!
January 5, 2009

Dominus
Football season is over. On to better things in life, WLTV with the G-Man.

These are the wines I adore and you hit it out of the park (a Wii-ism) on this one. Great, great show though I must say after Saturday there is nothing in this world that is “great” unless it’s this show.

Depressed and no love for my boys. I can’t believe the tired-ass teams left in the playoffs and the Colts beat them all, i.e. Ravens, Steelers, Chargers (reg season) and Titans. Oh well. Back to the show.

QOTD: My Mouvedre experience has been extensive though in the “blended” variety from Australia particularly and France. As someone else noted, it is a great blending varietal. I think I may want to try the Turkey Flat and the Bandol to do a “taste test.”

Cheers and GO TITANS! I’m rooting for a Titans/Panthers Super Bowl. Sorry Mott. Fischer is a class act and Jerry Richardson (ex Colt) owns the Panthers plus I vacation on the Outer Banks each year. If there is a G-d, let it not be Pittsburgh.
January 5, 2009

Kevin K
QOTD: I am only familiar with it as a component in other wines. Good show.
January 5, 2009

Mike P
One of my favorite wineries from Sonoma, Quivira, is starting to do Mourvedre now. They are a small producer. I have a bottle of their 05 and 06 vintage. In April they are releasing their own GSM blend which I am really looking forward to. Thanks for all the good work
January 5, 2009

manonthemoon
Full throttle show today, gentleman. Awesome selections with mataro, a cameo by Mott, and one of my favorite producers with Tempier. Hoping for a good week of shows, especially the blind.

QOTD: I have a lot of experience with Mataro, usually in GSM blends from Oz, Spain, or the PNW, but also on its own from Bandol. I have been fortunate to try a few past vintages of the Tempier cuvee and the La Migua, and have the upper tier, Cabassaou bottling, sitting in my cellar. Always nice for a change of pace.
January 5, 2009

Alex Mielnik
OMG!! I just watched #148 for the first time… You had me in stitches at the end! Thanks for putting an episode on Mourvedre. Good stuff… have not had much experience with this wine varietal but will give it a sniffy sniff and a whirl sometime soon. You rock Gary!!
January 5, 2009

Nath
Do Turkey Flat make a bad wine?
January 5, 2009

jr
I’ve Had Mourvedre in Gigondas & C-d-P Rhone blends which is about 10-11% of the blend with Grenache and Syrah, but Would like to try it on it’s own now to see what component it brings to the blend. Thanks… We Like the new tasting (Comic relief)technique.
January 5, 2009

Anthony L.
Very Little expereince with Mourvedre. I believe I’ve only had it as part of a blend.
January 5, 2009

Mike Z
QOTD: my only experience with Mourvedre (Monastrell) was 2006 Clio and it was EXCELLENT! Thats the best wine i’ve had in the past 2-3 months.
January 5, 2009

Kenny Galloway
Wow I actually had to peruse my wine journal and I only found 3 entries since 2006 of mourvedre tastings. The first was during a visit to the Torre di Pietra Vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas. It was a 2005 varietal bottle. I didn’t take hardly any notes during this visit other than that none of the wines impressed me and they needed more bottle aging. Number two was a 2005 Pairie Rotie Tallent Vineyards during my visit to the Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, Texas. This was Day 2 of the same visit and the bottle was a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan. Again this was during a period where my notes were quite lacking, although I really liked this vineyard and I noted the following, “The top winery of the trip. The Viognier and Zinfandel were amazingly expressive and my overall favorites. The Malbec, Prairie Rotie, and Claret were also very enticing.” Number three was a Toad Hollow, Erick’s the Red non-vintage that I tasted at a local wine tasting at WineStyles in McAllen, Texas (I worked in Texas for 4 years). I rated this wine a 7 out of 10, although may have been more mesmerized by the fact that it had a blend of 18 grapes!… one of them being Mourvdre. I noted the following, “Very fruit forward, black berries, dry, balanced acidity, light tannins, full body. This is an awesome wine for the value and the novelty… 18 FREAKIN’ GRAPES. It screams New World wine. I’d be interested to know how some of my more traditionalist French friends would care for the wine. It really is good and works perfect for a hearty outdoors BBQ, which is precisely why I purchased the bottle. Sorry but the details are limiting on this tasting as the setting wasn’t too wine journal friendly, with the drinkin’ and BBQin’ and all.”

So basically I NEED TO DRINK MORE MOURVEDRE!!!
January 5, 2009

Jay
What I heard: “…one from California, one from Australia, and one from Bob Dole.”
lol
January 5, 2009

kaybee
QoTd
No experience, but will keep the eagle eye out to find it. thank you GV
January 5, 2009

Laurie in VT
QOTD: None! We’ll have to do something about that, it seems.

Fun show, loved the new technique!
January 5, 2009

Richard Ritter
QOTD: Hey I just had that Turkey Flat Mourvedre. Thought it was excellent.

Happy New Year to you Mott!

Gary, two words: REX RYAN
January 5, 2009

catherine.
QOTD: my experience with mourvedre is watching episode 603 of the thunder show.

as a fan of gary, i say great episode. as a fan of the steelers, i say i hate you too.
January 5, 2009

Jim in Atlanta
I like the new tasting routine. I will have to try it myself. QOTD – I have had a few Mourvedre’s from France and Spain. I don’t remember a lot about them, but I am a fan of Rhone style wines and like the rustic, earthy, barnyard taste.
January 5, 2009

Jimmy T
How can anyone hate the Steelers?! Cheering for another team, sure. But hate the Steelers, I don’t know about that. They are true class, I think. But, I am a fan so maybe I’m jaded.

QOTD: I have had good experiences with this varietal.
January 5, 2009

guymandude
my team out for the season as well as my phins got banged up sun.well, go philly. don’t think i’ve had a mourvedre but interested to try. glad to see you in the new year.
January 5, 2009

Mike in Wisconsin
Great Show! Love the obscure varietal, love that you have 3 different regions of the world! Great refresher course on Mataro, Monastrell, Mourvedre. I forget that they are the same!!!! Great job on the fill in time in the beginning Mott!!
January 5, 2009

laposte
QOTD:
Have had excellent experience in France, but less than memorable from Spain and new world.
Great show!
January 5, 2009

Devin M.
That was just me calling Gary to tell you about the 2001 Amador County Mourvedre by TKC winery that I had this year, pretty good. On another note when you get the time could you speak a bit on the advantages or disadvantages of cellaring? This is still an absolute mystery to me and I would like to know more. I know you have said most of us drink our wines too young. What changes occur and what wines should I pick to lay down and for how long? What wines should be consumed now? Thanks D.
January 5, 2009

shawnandlu
Thanks Gary for doing a show on Mourvedre. I absolutely love the varietal. All you need to know about me and what I think about Mourvedre,if you ask me my two go two winerys in France and the U.S. its Chateau de Beaucastel in CDP and Tablas Creek in Cali(Mouvedre based in both reds). You also might try Core Elevation Sensation it might suprise you how good Dave is doing with the varity.
Mourvedre picks up flavors of dark, dark fruit, gamyness, spice and believe it or not citrus that other varieties just don’t reach. Yes they do need a little time for the flavors to flesh out. For some reason Mourved takes a little time in hiding before the flavors explode. I have read Parker reviews were he describes Mourvedre varieties and will say tastes of “Peking Duck” I swear he is dead on I have tasted the tasty Chinese duck in Mourvedre. yum yum yum.

P.S. when you find the 30 dollar Bandal that kills it like you believe exists let us know I will be first in line.
January 5, 2009

amgryger
QOTD: The only 100% mourvedre wines I’ve had were from Spain. I do appreciate GSM blends from various parts of the Rhone and Southern France. I’ve had a couple of nice GSM blends from CA too.
January 5, 2009

dcpatton
Thanks for expanding our palate Gary!

QOTD: No Mouvedre, but I am exploring Cono Sur wines from Chile. Tasting their Pinot Noir now.
January 5, 2009

J Crazy
Love the Mouvedre. Had an awesome blend from the Lang, forget the name but had roses on the label. I think it was Mouv and Cinsault; mighty fine.
January 5, 2009

Dan Manu
Nice episode Gary!
Good to see you throwing some love our way again(Australia)…

QOTD: never had a straight Mouvedre… i’m going out now to get one!
January 5, 2009

W Miree
QOTD: I have been drinking Bandol from Tempier for almost 3 decades. These wines need much time from vintage to hit their prime….I’m talking 20 years in the top vintages. However, almost every wine of producers of Mourvedre I have tasted has been relatively tight and tannic when young. But Tempier is the “king of the hill” in my book. As you noted, they are rustic, gamy, tannic (when young), but for me they become unbelievably complex after 15-20 years. Thank you for including a Tempier in your tasting.
January 5, 2009

Eric Laz
Thanks for all of the good info. I learned a little something new today.

QOTD: I have not had any experiences with Mourvedre. But now I am excited to expand my pal…
January 5, 2009

JCN
Go Steelers!
January 5, 2009

john maki
I prefer the small berry Mourvedre from Cline!
January 5, 2009

Yvettew
QOTD: Never had an experience with Mourvedre, but after this episode, I will go in search for it.

Congrats on being one of the most influential people in NJ (but we Vayiancs already new that!) – saw an excerpt about you in NJ monthly!
January 6, 2009

ChrisV
QOTD: I’ve had that Turkey Flat Mourvedre. I thought your review was fairly dead on. I might go 89 rather than 90. There are some other producers doing better things with Mourved in Australia I think – specifically some of the efforts from Hewitson, Spinifex and d’Arenberg have been very good (depending on vintage).
January 6, 2009

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: Mostly blends with Mourvedre, never a 100% that I can remember.
January 6, 2009

Clinton
Great episode to get the new year going.

QOTD: I’ve had the 2005 (I believe) Tempier you recommended a year ago. The price has gone up, I don’t recall it being near $60. Otherwise, Monastrel.
January 6, 2009

Robin C
QOTD: Not much experience with mourvedre. I think I remember the el Nido Clio – wasn’t crazy about it but didn’t dislike it. Bandol sounds very intriguing.
Where did you find a purple shirt?
January 6, 2009

David T
QOTD: none yet! It’ll be something to look for, certainly, to expand my pal!!
January 6, 2009

Lindsey N.
My pal tends to move more towards sweets so I’m very interested in Cline as you have described it.
January 6, 2009

Al French
Syncline Cellars in the Columbia Gorge AVA of Washington makes a very nice Mourvedre. On a recent trip to Walla Walla I bought a mourvedre from Trio Vintners which I have not yet opened, but have high hopes for.
January 6, 2009

Vanguy
QOTD: I’ve had a few. May re-try the Cline, which is readily available here.
January 6, 2009

Moselman
Excellent, informative episode.

QOTD: Really enjoyed the YECLA MONASTRELL – CASTANO “C”, which I didn’t realize was mourvedre.
It’s a real QPR winner North of the 49th. Now I know it’s the “m” in GSM (and another variant, SGM which is also big on QPR, I’ll look for more, and watch for the North West mourvedres mentioned here.
January 6, 2009

yankee22
Gary, good show and I love you, but you keep making a major mistake. You often taste licorice, black or red, and say it’s as though your grill was bombarded with Twizzlers. There is no licorice in Twizzlers, In fact, I don’t think there is any real fruit in them either. They are crap.
January 6, 2009

Andy Plymale
Great show. I really enjoyed the Mourvedre that we tasted from barrell last month at Zerba Cellars in the Walla Walla Valley (but in Oregon geographically).

Also, a question: How long before the show do you open your wines, and do you decant them? (and pour them back into the bottle)
January 6, 2009

master1228
Gary, Gary, Gary,

First off, welcome back! I missed you during your short New Year’s break.

Second, when you first 3-4 times you mentioned your third wine, the Bandol, I kept thinking you were saying Bob Dole, so I was cracking up when you were saying to visit the Bob Dole!

Great show!

BEER RECOMMENDATION: I just tried the Goose Island Bourbon Stout. Give it a whirl, the crazy folks at Goose Island decided to ferment this brew in bourbon barrels, so it tastes like bourbon beer. Amazing!

Dany
http://raad.wordpress.com
January 6, 2009

Harry
Great show Gary. Loved the energy, the passion.

I’ve felt similar about the Cline Mouvedre, but found the sweetness well integrated with the earthy components. Not a bad effort, and it will be better in a year or two.

I had a bigger bandol tasting about six months ago, but found most the 06s were too tight and tannic. Ours were much cheaper though, and certainly not as knowledgeably picked. I’ll have continue exploring. My favorites are the jumilla monastrells that jorge ordonez brings in, Juan Gil 04 was perhaps one of the best deals around.
January 6, 2009

Micha
Great show Gary. Never had one from Bandol. The best so far (on my palate) was a spanish 100% Monastrell from Yecla, the Barahonda HC. Great effort.
Greetz from Germany
Micha
January 6, 2009

Little JOnny H
I like the varietal formats, especially when more obscure ones are approached. That said, it’s probably time for some lesser-known italian (whites) again!

QOTD: Monatrell only, and generally great value plays
January 6, 2009

OSCAR FALCON LARA
Good one. The Bandol makes me curious.

QOTD: I’ve only had the E Guigal Cote Du Rhone (available locally), which is a blend with Mourvedre, it’s pretty good, not woody but rather spicy like clove and curry type of deal, earthy maybe and very dark in color, and at a very reasonable $20 us.
January 6, 2009

Hartfiel
Mourvedre has my attention. I have limited experience with the varietal, but had the Cline and thought highly of it. However, that was over a year ago and since I have found the varietal hard to come by. Mostly because I live in a small town out side of Harrisburg, PA (a state deprived of wine by mail). My pal then was more Old World drive since, and less “fruit-boob” New World drive. From what I recall, the Cline had a coco component that I was waiting for GV to mention. At any rate, for those that have not enjoyed Mourvedre, the Cline is not a bad place to start, in my opinion.

NFL: Vikings 2009 will bring the thunder (after the QB replacement). Go Giants!
January 6, 2009

Alex M
Love Mourvedre, always has a note of blueberries squashed in an old library book to me, and who wouldn’t like that?

Love Tempier and Turkey Flat too. Domaine Gros Nore does some pretty good Bandol at happier prices than Tempier.
January 6, 2009

Doug
Try the Syncline Mourvedre from Washington State! It’s outstanding!
January 6, 2009

Chris Braun
I’ve had a bunch of blends that include Mourvedre, mostly French but also a few from Australia, Spain, California, and Virginia. I’ve sample a few single-varietal Mourvedres at tastings (from Spain, California, and Virginia), but have never had a whole glass that I recall — will have to do that!
January 6, 2009

Dom
Very surprised not to see any Spanish Monastrell. I thought we would see some Spanish action (Jumilla, Yecla, Bullas, etc)since Clio is so highly regarded by Gary… Also the orgins of Monastrell/Mouverde is from the Levante area of Spain.
January 6, 2009

TWalk
The only two predominantly mouvedre wines i have come across are the first two wines you tasted….I enjoyed drinking them but they didnt blow me away
January 6, 2009

Tom G
Classic WLTV. I love it. Informative and a throwback to the “early years.”

QOTD: The only 100% Mouvedres I’ve had were from Spain (Monastrell). I’ve have loads of blends though, the majority being CDP and similar GSM blends from Australia and California.
January 6, 2009

CaseyLee
never had it before.
good vid gary im glad to see youre going to focus alot more on value wines =]
January 6, 2009

drift
I think mott should start recording at a higher audio level. Sometimes it is not loud enough. Good show
January 6, 2009

Fatdoi
qotd…. only had it in GSM
January 6, 2009

DAV A
Very good show. Gotta get me some of that!
January 6, 2009

italianwinelover
Nice hair cut! Am going to search out the Bandol region.

QOTD: LOVE the Mourvedre grape only cuz of you…you mentioned it in previous shows sought it out and fell in love. Monstrell I’ve had before also. Very good price point for somewhat of the same taste!

Thanks for the 411 on this varietal!
January 6, 2009

DF
QOTD: No separate Mourvedre.

On expanding my pal: I tried a Portuguese Vinho Verde for Christmas dinner with crab cakes. Very festive, a little frizzante, tasty and light. I also bought a Viognier which I am going to try soon.
January 6, 2009

Ernest S.
Loved the show!! Long time lurker first time commenter.

I think Mourvedre is one of the most unappreciated grapes in the red wine world. You gotta try the Hewitson Old Garden (oldest prephylloxera wineyard in the world – planted 1853) if you want to see what Aussie Mourvedre is all about – the 2004 is especially good.
January 6, 2009

Glen,....winecrazy.com
Nice show Homey. I like the shirt.

QOTD: I haven’t tried that wine but I guess I’l have to now….lol
January 6, 2009

Trevor G
Thanks for the episode.
QOTD: Haven’t tried any pure mourved’s, but looking forward to soon.
January 6, 2009

jimkay
Thanks for this tasting. Neat variety. Tempier is great stuff – but the price, ouch. Mourvedre rose from Bandol is another treat
January 6, 2009

pawncop
Good episode. Have had a totoal of three (3), two (2) blends and one Spanish a 2004 Hecula, Yecla that in my notes was listed as non descript but earthy with limited fruit.

I do have a 2006 Jumilla I was given by a dear friend for Christmas that I will be trying soon.

Please keep ‘em coming. I really appreciate the knowledge.
January 6, 2009

Johnny Vegas
Qotd: Texas of all places is making interesting Mouvedre. I love my Mouvedre in the classic French Rhone but the best Mouvedre I have had was from Austraila.
January 6, 2009

joel delon
good show gary wish you a very special 2009 as well as your team
QOTD : the last 100 % mourvedre i had was last week in our winery mas de l’erme here in the Languedoc directly tasted from the tank with new italian customers
January 6, 2009

Carlitos
I am disappointed that this episode didn’t include any of the wines from where the grape originates from, SE Spain, even if you mentioned it by name. There are many Monastrells from Yecla and Jumilla and you’ve had some in the show.

BTW, if you slow down and read it properly there’s only one “T” in Monastrell. It is NOT spelled Mon-T-astrell! So slow down and say it with just one “T” in it!

QOTD. Mostly those Yecla and Jumilla wines. I’ve visited Cline in Carneros and have also enjoyed and purchased the Ancient Mourvedre for what it is.
January 6, 2009

Jeff R
Good episode … I enjoyed it.

QTD – Actually some experience with mourvedre from Ridge (Mataro), Australia (D’Arenberg 28 Road) and a whole host from Spain’s Jumilla and Yecla regions. I enjoy them because they are big and somewhat ageworthy.

Happy 2009 – may it be healthy one for you and the Wine Library staff. Also, shocked tosee the collapse of the Jets in the final weeks. It will be curious to see how the favre circus plays out over the offseason. I guess that is one of the negatives with picking him up.

It sounds like the Browns are high on Mangini. Is this good news???
January 6, 2009

Eric Bensen
enjoy your show. whatta ya think about Mangini? I live near Paso Robles. it would be fun to hear you do a Central Coast Zin show.
January 6, 2009

bygdawg1996
Qotd- never had it but might try if i can find it.

Thanks for the books at Christmas
You ROCK Gary

Thanx
January 6, 2009

Wine Corkscrews
Love the Turkey Flat. Have had it on two occasions and really love it. You’re so right–Mourvedre doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
January 6, 2009

LauraG
QOTD: Love Mouved, especially under its Monastrell alias (or perhaps Mouved is actually the alias, as I believe Spain is its original home?)in Yecla, Jumilla and Alicante. Yummmm, yum.
January 6, 2009

Ryan D
QotD: Experience with mouvedre is pretty good [meaning positive, not extensive]. Had a South African blend that contained it, and a French as well. Happy with both.
January 6, 2009

AbsolutLahmi
I had more experience with the grape from Spain’s Monastrell – the 06 Jumilla Juan Gil amazed me! Sure, it was sort of over the top, but the bottle still had life after 3 days in an open bottle.

Great show – i agree it’s was sort of old-skool!
January 6, 2009

SaraMHCRU
I’ve had a few monastrells and one sip of a bandol once, which I enjoyed quite a bit. Good grape, and a lot of the monastrells I’m seeing around these days are super cheap, which is a big bonus!
January 6, 2009

BW
I have had a lot of different Mouded’s /Monastralls over th years but what I find is that Monastrall from the Jumilla region in Spain is nearly a sure bet – like Sauv Blanc from NZ is nearly a sure bet. Great values fom Jumilla. Try the Juan Gil Monastrell. Great QPR
January 6, 2009

Barry Diamond
My favorites with the varietal are from Castano. Real bargains with prices in the $8-14 range. The Castano Solanera, a blend with C.S., ages beautifully – the 2001 is outstanding now.
January 6, 2009

Dan U.
I’ve been to Yecla and you really can’t beat the Mourvedre from there, or from Jumilla, for great value. Barahonda and Castano are always good, and I’ll second that Juan Gil (silver label) for being absolutely killer. Rosenblum from California makes an interesting Mourvedre for about $15. Very different in character from the Spanish or French Mourvedre.
January 6, 2009

Herm
I’ve had no experience with Mourvedre…..but I will seek out this variety and give it a try….Thanks for another great show!
January 6, 2009

Marla
Another information and entertaining show, Gary! Love the pinata reference…Skittles. LOL Hope to meet you in Boston at the Wine Fest this month!
January 6, 2009

mrzitro
QOTD: I had the Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre ‘05. I have two points in common with your impression of the ‘06: 1. Oaky 2. Gamey taste on the midpalate (I thought more like blood though).

If you put the Bandol up on free shipping, I’d give it a whirl.
January 6, 2009

CindyW
QOTD: During the past year, it became a joke between my husband and I — just about every time I said something like, “wow, this is incredible, I love this wine” . . . it turned out to have mourvedre in it. So, now I’ve started to seek out mourvedre and mourvedre blends. I’ve had several Spanish and Washington state mourvedres (we’ve got some nice ones popping up on the radar out here). It might be time for me to look for some Bandol wines next.
January 6, 2009

Cuse Wino
QOTD- never had it by itself but blended together I liked it.

I love that you gave it 93 but suggested not to buy it. I love the juxtaposition.

The shoulder shrugging could be your new signature!
January 6, 2009

Smahlatz
Hmmm – just the Banrock Station Shiraz Mataro – not great – but reasonable if you get it around £3.50. When I lived in Aus 10 years ago — I hated Banrock Station – rough as guts – this aint bad though for the price – and unfortunately, that’s where I roll at the mo.
January 6, 2009

Benj
Great show, always love learning something new. Never actually had a wine with a significant amount of Mourvedre in it (had a few Rhones with a little I think) but looks like I’m going to have to change that!
January 6, 2009

Murso
Qotd – Aside from being aware, in my young days, that it was a component of considerable note in my much loved Rhone reds, from low to high, I began finding it blended far and wide across the Languedoc-Roussillon, often in simpler two-grape combinations, but also in more complex blends. By the early 1990’s, I’d found it both alone, and well blended by great wineries such as Ridge, whose efforts made clear what caliber of great we were talking about. Soon after, I found the limited production Cline Small Berries, which was my favoritest thing till around the turn of the millenium. Small production,low yield, and artisinal craft and treatments work best to make a memorable impression ($20+), but again, Jorge Ordonez (Juan Gill, Finca Luzon, etc.),and responsible Rhone producers can often show the way cost effectively.
January 6, 2009

Brent B
QOTD: Never had Mourvedre but I am anxious to try now

Great show as always Gary. Keep it up.
January 6, 2009

NY Pete
First off, at least 13 Vayniacs at the Brix offline in Summit tried Twisted Oak’s River of Skulls which is 90% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. Secondly … WTF Alex, you were there. .
January 6, 2009

Rick D
QOTD: My experience has been to Mourvedre used in blends. Probably my favorite wine styles come from Southern Rhone and Languedoc/Roussillon both of which can feature mourvedre grapes.
January 6, 2009

DrEdwardo
Not quite an answer to the QOTD but I much prefer the Spanish Monastrells in general over Garnachas, the latter of which I find too many with overwhelming rhubard and/or tomato stem notes. Whereas I like the ripe black fruit and tar I find in many Monastrells.

Edwardo
January 6, 2009

JudeMurphy
I’m sure I’ve tasted mourvedre lots of times but I don’t recall any specific wines for it!

Gary you should do some classified growth Bordeaux, that would be amazing!
January 6, 2009

John C.
I’ve experienced Mouvedre in Spanish wines as Monastrell and I have also had some Australian GSM blends. I have liked what I have had.
January 6, 2009

A dumb Rhine king
QOTD: My only experience of Mourvedre is watching some guy taste it

Great show!!
January 6, 2009

Eugene
only had it in a blend with other grapes. And it was not the dominant grape. I know it does well blending. Have not had it as the dominant grape.
January 6, 2009

WineWoman
QOTD: I’ve had the Cline and yes it paired great with the hot dogs and hamburgers. I’ve also had Bonny Doon’s Old Telegram. Fantastic wine—balsamic vinegar, olive-taste, good fruit, well-balanced and yes, the cinnamon.

I enjoyed the new tasting technique and the clicking of the former “Commerce Bank” blue pen…..
January 6, 2009

Alex M
QOTD: Had mourvedre from Edna Valley Vineyard. Good stuff, even at home: sometimes the tasting room environment (and the ridiculous view from Edna Valley’s in particular) seems to color my perception of the wine.
January 7, 2009

Brian Barrick
Glad to see Mourvedre getting some attention on the show, as it is one of my favorite grapes. Haven’t seen it bottled on its own very often.

The Cline didn’t even taste much like Mourvedre to me. It was too syrupy and had none of the tannin structure I would expect… not likely to age very well. It also had a distinct burnt-match aroma.

Rosenblum makes a very good Mourvedre (currently sold out at the winery) that has great tannins and deep plum and cherry fruit flavors. Great with pasta and tomato sauce.

Navarro has also been known to bottle a Mourvedre from time to time, though the last one I can remember from them was around 2002.
January 7, 2009

joel kriske
QOTD:
I actually have a bit of experience with mourvedre, having worked in a French restaurant. Strangely, my current quest is my ultimate under $25 bottle of Monastrell and St. Laurent. Suggestions? Future show?
January 7, 2009

YoungDave
MOUVEDRE! I’m so glad you gave this grape its showcase today.

QOTD: I’ve had Southern Rhone blends, Bandol, Faugeres, a Paso Cab blend, Spanish Monastrell (Jumila, Bullas, etc.) ALL containing some proportion of Mouvedre and it’s a fantastic player when grown in the proper climate and taken care of correctly before bottling. GREAT SHOW!
January 7, 2009

MattUD
I have a few wines with a small amount of mouvedre in them, notably the Panarroz Jumilla.
January 7, 2009

JayZee
Great show – very interesting and a varietal that not everyone has tried or knows about. My one criticism is that you did not have any Spanish (Monastrel) Mourvedre wines on the show.

QOTD: My favorite Mourvedre wines have been the Monastrell blens from Jumilla in Spain, many of which are awesome. I have had a couple of Bandols, but not the Tempier, which has always looked overpriced on the wine lists when I’ve seen it. I have also had Garretson (from Paso Robles) Mourvedre which is a bit of a fruit bomb, but which I liked on some level. Alas, Garretson has gone out of business which is a big bummer for me. Matt is a great guy and a talented winemaker.
January 7, 2009

CBone
I think the only Mourvedre I’ve had are in Chateauneuf du Pape, of which I drink as much as I can! Never had a varietal like these, though.
January 7, 2009

thecobalt9
qotd – had the kenneth volk enz vineyard mourvedre recently which was very sweet, hot, and a little thin – so not a huge fan – but LOVED the Juan Gil Monasrell and love me some central coast GSM, so there ya go
January 7, 2009

Jason S.
QOTD: only ever had it as part of a blend
January 8, 2009

Cabrilla
QotD: I’ve had mourvedre both as a monocepage and in blends. Add my vote for the Juan Gil – consistently interesting, an excellent food wine, and a great value.

I’ve had both the Cline Ancient Vines and the Small Berry Mourvedres, as well. I actually liked them both, despite my general preference for less bomb. (They’re well-enough balanced for me not to notice much when tasting, but the 15+% alc is still crazy high to me.) I found both to have compelling, evolving noses, which always pulls me into a wine.
January 8, 2009

Lord Nouda
qotd: to my recollection, never tried a Mourvedre before… but I will if one comes my way.

And Happy New Year everyone!
January 9, 2009

Jayhitek
QOTD: None.
January 9, 2009

Michael Schoonmaker
QOTD: No experience. I should fix that.
January 9, 2009

C-Lo
qotd – I was on a pretty big Jumilla kick a couple of years ago. I agree with Cabrilla, Juan Gil is pretty dang good (try the one with the silver label – very consistently good year to year).
January 9, 2009

Sharon
I’ve only had in a “Rhone Blend”, GSM. Dunno if I would like as a single varietal as I don’t go for super tannic type wines.
January 9, 2009

Noellems
Put down the pen! So distracting. Other than that, interesting show.
QOTD: none that I know of
January 10, 2009

Johnnyutah
Heeeeyyyy! Ive been turned on to the Monastrell from Jumilla and Montsant and would like to see you try a few of those.

Go Eagles!
January 10, 2009

Dan-o
GV – enjoyed the show! I really like Tempier wines from Bandol.
QOTD – Most of my Mouvedre experience is as a blended grape in CndP. I have had several Monastrells from Spain. I am not a huge fan of the solo flight from Spain.
January 11, 2009

Brian
Bondol is probably one of the best wine ACs to go to. Very prity and smal enough ti drive around in a day….oh yeah the wines rock!!!!!!!
January 11, 2009

JD
Great show , never had mourvedre. What is a Pittsburgh style steak?
January 12, 2009

nnothing
QOTD umm mostly spanish monastrells and spanish blends involving monastrell.
January 14, 2009

Kristen
Nice show. I was laughing quite a bit.

QOTD: A good deal of mouvedre. I’ve had several bandols, Juan Gil, Finca Luzon, and others. Plus, I’ve had a dessert Mouvedre and I absolutely love love love bandol rosés. They are the best rosés out there!
January 15, 2009

Phil (marty6001)
I tried the Cline and have to say I did not taste the strawberry or diner, but the grilled meaty/game taste was OVERWHELMING.. I’m not so sure its for me, but my wife loved it!!
January 16, 2009

CB Lukens
GV – Love Morveds, but really only the Cline and some lower priced Bandols. Will seek out – thanks for the show!
January 18, 2009

wayno da wino
Yo G…..That was such a GOOOOOOOOOOOOD Episode, I had ta watch it
again…..
January 21, 2009

kenny_k
Love mourvedre, love Bandol, love this show.
January 23, 2009

RobT
QOTD: I tried Mourvedre about 2 months ago for the first time, at a restaurant, by the glass, forgot the name. What I remember is fruit bomb. (Enter Kool Aid guy breaking through wall…)

I’m thinking it was a CA wine, tho…. Looking forward to trying a French (Bandol), or some of the recommendations below (Juan Gil, Jumilla, etc)…
January 25, 2009

Patty Wilson
QOTD: If I had watched this ep when it came out in early January, I would have said I never heard of the grape, but we opened up a Neyers Mourvedre, Pato Vineyard, Contra Costra County, 2006, last night. I bought it at Wine Library, but I don’t remember when. You don’t have it now. I bought it, I’m sure, based on Neyers reputation. It was really good, red licorice, great color. The list price is $25.95 on other websites, but I don’t know what I paid.

Also, I believe that I’ve had some Monastreill in the past, possibly in a blend. Definitely not a grape that was in my radar.

The $60 bottle sounds great, but I don’t think I’m ready to pay that much right now.
January 25, 2009

lawschooldrunk
QOTD: none. are any kosher?
January 26, 2009

yowens
Great show! Greg
January 31, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Interesting show…. a wine i’ll have to try in the future. QOTD: None so far.
July 24, 2009

Denner Grl
The Mourvedre that I’ve had have been from the Paso Robles area. Denner Vineyards uses Mourvedre in a number of their wines (Ditch Digger, Syrah, Grenache, etc.) as well as has one that is mostly Mourvedre. (Disclaimer: I work there) I like that we have something that most folks in our area DON’T make, and we make it well.

I’ve also had Cass Winery’s Mourvedre, which I always tell people that their 06 was like Al Pacino from Scent of a Woman in a glass…it had the “hoo-wah” factor. Nice spice, deep fruit.

I’m always quick to try more – had a couple from Rhone area (when I knew it was in there). It’s a fantastic grape. I’m hoping to see more of it as time progresses!