2016 The Third Twin, Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo, California [First Vintage], Bottle (750ml)

RP99+ "“I had never really liked Mourvedre,” Manfred mentioned during our tasting. “But the more I worked with it, the more I liked it. There is some synchronicity that takes place when you blend it.” Apart from being a Mourvedre-dominant blend, the other unusual thing about this wine is that this is only the second wine to be 100% from The Third Twin Vineyard—a vineyard in Los Alamos purchased by Manfred and Elaine in 2000. Not to be confused with some new Central Coast plantings of what turned out to be Graciano, Manfred explained that this is Mourvedre Clone “S,” sourced from John Alban. Composed of 53% Mourvedre, 16% Syrah, 14% 14% Grenache, 9% Petit Sirah, 6% Graciano and 2% Viognier, 42% of whole clusters were used and the rest was destemmed. It spent around 31 months in French oak barrels, 42% new. Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo has a wonderfully meaty/savory nose over a core of creme de cassis and baked plums with nut and fruit cake undertones followed by yeast extract, tilled soil, fungi and unsmoked cigar notes. The massively rich, full-bodied palate is incredibly precise, features wonderfully delineated, complex savory, earthy and mineral layers, all lifted by fantastic freshness. The jaw-dropping depth of flavors is superbly supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins, finishing on a compelling iron-ore note. Truly, this is a wine without peers!" LPB Jun 2019