Let me introduce a genuinely nice GSM with a little “V” on the end. The wine, Le Jardin Rouge – 2015 Capay Valley This blend was produced by Moseley Family Cellars.
Capay Valley is a rural valley northwest of Sacramento in Yolo County California. This California AVA is about 102,400 acres region in size and borders Napa County, Lake County and Colusa County. Actual vineyards planted are about 25 acres. Some excellent fruit comes from this AVA and you will find a few wineries such as Cache Creek, Taber Ranch and Capay Valley Vineyards. This little AVA produces Tempranillo, Merlot, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese and Petite Verdot. Moseley Family Cellars has selected for this blend Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier wine grapes. The blend is 55%/33%/10% and 2% respectively for their 2015 Le Jardin Rouge.
The primary grape in this blend, Grenache (gruh·naash) is a dry, red wine that is typically full-bodied and interestingly light in both color and tannins. Grenache produces wines that are loaded with strawberry, cherry, blackberry, purple plum and in the richest examples, even cocoa, black tea or licorice.
Next is Syrah and it often carry flavors of black cherry, black pepper, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, clove, licorice, espresso, and dark chocolate.
The third grape is Mourvedre (more-VEH-dra) it adds tannin and alcohol to wines as well as red fruits, spice, olives, herbs, pepper, sweetness, structure and depending on the producer, it could add a gamey, or earthy character to the wine.
Well what about this glass of Le Jardin Rouge? As you approach your glass you will detect a wonderful bouquet with a fresh floral scent and dark fruit reaching out to you with just a light hint of smoke.
Last is the Viognier (vee·oh·nyay) this white grape ranges in taste from lighter flavors of tangerine, mango and honeysuckle to creamier aromas of vanilla with spices of nutmeg and clove. As you take your first few sips you will be greeted with baking spices and think chocolate covered cherries.
Moseley Family Cellars has not only grown in size in the way of footprint, but continues to grow in the variety of wines that are being produced. If you are a California Corks Winery Experience member, Martin and Mimi Moseley will be sure to give you a little TLC. To be honest though they go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. Don’t forget to say hi to Ashley Pierce the winemaker she loves to talk about the wines too!