Holly's Hill Winery

Pleasant Valley in El Dorado is beginning to show it's soul for Mourvedre and Mourvedre blends. At an elevation of around 2,700 feet in the Sierra, on granatic soils, Holly's Hill is taking aim at sourthern Rhone wines from their estate vineyards, which are planted to a wide range.

The 2009 Patriarche is a complex blend, dominated by 60% Mourvedre, with Syrah, Grenache and Counoise in the blend. A deep and dense nose lifts from the glass reflecting dark red fruits with hints of earth and forest floor. Oak is not a factor. Complex fruit expression leads to very structured balance between tannins and acidity and a peppery finish.

It is clear Mourvedre is the major contributor to this wine, yet it speaks to the magic of southern Rhone blending.

Reviewed April 2, 2012 by Roger King.