The good news about the 2004 Besoleil is that we made 3 additional barrels. But more important, it's an even more expressive, Southern Rhone style wine. In 2004 we were able to add a classic Southern Rhone variety, Mourvedre, to the mix of grapes, and carve out a few more rows of Grenache vines from the Alder Ridge Vineyard for our program.

We were particularly thrilled with the Mourvedre, a grape that brings color, aroma and flavor to the blend. Its black-red density is more like Syrah than Grenache, the nose shouts black pepper and the palate is somewhere between the fruit intensity of Grenache and the pungency of Syrah. It brought "garrigue", the unmistakable Southern Rhone character of fruit, earth and wild herbs, to the blend.

The final blend is 69% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah. The 2004 Besoleil is denser than the 2003, with more richness and fullness. However, it retains the same pure berry focus, with notes of pepper, leather, crushed seed, explosive flavor and creamy finish. Drink now and over the next 5 years..

Blending Detail and Aging Profile

Blending Detail:

• 69% Grenache
• 19% Mourvedre 
• 12% Syrah

Aging Profile:

• Best from 2004 through 2009
• Serve cool, 60-62°F

AVA & Vineyard Detail:

• Columbia Valley