2018 Dirty and Rowdy Mourvèdre Old Vine Enz Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Lime Kiln Valley (3/24/2023)
Three hour decant, as after nearly ten years of drinking Hardy’s wines I am finally learning that they crave oxygen. Still wasn’t enough, but over the course of an hour or so things began to unwind. Then, like a light switch, everything turned on. Copious red berry fruit, deep earthy and brown tobacco aromas emerged, and the palate went from clenched and rather acidic, to bright but also supple - a fine, thick rug placed on a cool stone floor. At the back of the palate there was a distinct soy/mushroomy savory note that carried the finish, and provided depth without the wine ever going past a light to medium body. It’s too bad Enz has largely become unobtanium, because the grapes provide a fantastic palette for inspired winemaking.