2008 Relic Ritual
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Tasting notes
(15.2% alcohol; a blend of 46% mourvedre, 30% grenache, 18% syrah and 6% petite sirah, vinified with one-third whole clusters) Good deep red. Raspberry, minerals and a hint of black olive on the nose. Saline, juicy and tightly wound, with good floral lift to the bright flavors of crushed black fruits, spices and wild herbs. Finishes spicy and lively, with hints of leather, olive and meat. This got the lowest percentage of new oak of any of the Relic 2008 bottlings.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Nearly as good as the beautiful 2007 released earlier this year, the 2008 Ritual (a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah) exhibits aromas of earth, flowers, blue and black fruits, meat, and kirsch. This supple, fleshy, medium to full-bodied red is meant to be drunk over the next several years. This tiny estate has a small production, but the quality of its wines is very high. Tel. (707) 967-9380; Fax (707) 967-0724