It’s hard to find a 100% Reserve Mourvedre, and Cass Winery in Paso Robles has been doing it since 2017. Even more rare is the use of both Russian and French Oak barrels. For winemaker Sterling Kragten, Mourvedre is a passion project, and that comes through in the wines.
This intriguing wine opened up admirably over a prolonged meal featuring tortilla espanola French baguette and rocket lettuce salad. It’s big and black-fruited with hints of lavender, pepper, and Herbs de Provence. At 14 1/2 percent, the alcohol is not apparent and well integrated after 28 months of aging in oak.
This is an outstanding wine with pleasant persistence, texture, and mouthfeel. Don’t hesitate to bring this to a special dinner party with friends and family or to make a big statement at a tasting, or better yet, on a date night to make a big impression. Read Sterling’s discussion of the “Damas Noir” in his Wine Characters interview.