2. Smasne Cellars 2010 Upland Vineyard Ancient Rocks, Snipes Mountain, $44
No winemaker knows the tiny appellation of Snipes Mountain better than Robert Smasne, thanks to his work for his own brand as well as Todd Newhouse’s Upland Estates. This is just the first release for this Rhône-style blend of Grenache (52%), Mourvédre (26%), Syrah (19%) and a splash of Viognier. Oregano, a whiff of sage, blackberry and black cap aromas are accented by just a hint of cured meat. On the palate, a graphite-like minerality jump-starts the blackberries, black cap and blueberries. At the close firm tannins with an edge of black pepper linger in the satisfying finish.
Production: 125 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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