Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 2000 Le Mistral

Wines

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OVERVIEW: Le Mistral is a blend which includes the major grape varieties, or cépages, that have been grown in the Rhône Valley for centuries. These include (but are not limited to) Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignane. The region most famous for these blends acquired its name in the 1400's, when one of the Avignon popes built his summer castle in a village that would come to be know as Châteauneuf-du-Pape (new castle of the pope).

We believe there are remarkable similarities between California's wine growing regions and the Southern Rhône Valley of France, and that Le Mistral - an intriguing and delicious alternative to some of the more popular red varietals - combines the best of both.

BLEND & GRAPE SOURCES:
46% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Carignane, 6% Alicante Bouschet, 6% Petite Sirah. Grapes came from estate vineyards in Monterey County and Napa (65%), as well as from independent growers (35%).

WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested between August 19 and October 20 at an average 24.0° Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged for 18 months in a combination of new French oak barrels (20%) and two- to four-year-old French and American oak (80%). The wine was blended and bottled August 1, 2002.

Consistent with many of the reds from the 2000 growing season, our current Le Mistral is softer and more approachable than the previous vintage, with medium-bodied flavors of black fruit, spice and soft, sweet tannins.