Those who cast with a fly when they fish for brook trout may have a “muddler minnow” in their collection, and Troy Mandeville and John Richardson of Convergence Zone Cellars near North Bend, Wash., pay tribute to Minnesota angler credited with developing the fly during the Great Depression. These two barrels of Mourvèdre came off historic Weinbau Vineyard in the middle of October, quite long enough to ripen this earthy and spicy red Rhône not often bottled on its own. Blueberry, elderberry and black currant swim alongside clove and horehound, and it’s an easy drink of those dark purple fruit. Bing cherry juice stays ahead of tannins that are tucked in the background along with lavender tea. Suggested pairings include short ribs, pork shoulder, lamb, sausage, veal, lentils, wild rice and dishes with aromatic herbs.
Rating: Excellent, 92 points
Production: 92 cases
Alcohol 14.6%
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