Terre Rouge - Tete-a-Tete Rouge 2016 750ml

Terre Rouge Tete-a-Tete is a masterclass in blending that brings the spirit of the Southern Rhone Valley to the Sierra Foothills. This red wine is crafted for easy enjoyment, whether at a lively bistro or on your own dinner table. It combines 42% Grenache, 41% Mourvedre, and 17% Syrah into a harmonious Mediterranean style blend.

The quality starts in the vineyard. The grapes are sourced from vines that average 20 years of age, rooted deep in granitic soils. These are not just any vines; the Grenache comes from famous Rayas clones, while the Mourvedre comes from Beaucastel stock. This pedigree delivers exceptional complexity. The fruit is harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel to capture fresh flavors. It then ages for 17 months in older Burgundy barrels. This crucial step softens the wine without masking the fruit with heavy oak.

In the glass, this vintage is distinctively savory and meaty. It offers a profile driven by wild berry fruit, minerals, and rich earth. Wine Enthusiast awarded this bottle 90 points, praising its snappy acidity and mouth-cleansing texture. With moderate tannins and a long finish, it rivals the best Cotes-du-Rhone bottlings from France.