SWINNEY Mourvedre 2021

Robert Parker Score: 96 points

Reviewer: Erin Larkin — April 2023 Week 16 Apr 2023

Drink 2023–2038

2021 is the first vintage in which Swinney has bottled a varietal Mourvèdre, and personally, I couldn't be happier. Mourvèdre has the potential to be an elegant, seductive variety—in the right hands, of course. So, here we have the 2021 Mourvèdre. The nose leads with a tart cherry character. It was made with 22% whole bunches in the ferment. It's a style call, but this has to be one of the most gorgeous varietal Mourvèdres in the country. Drinkability is high—the wine has minerality, focus, poise, precision and clarity. It has Mourvèdre tannins without being pushy or intrusive. Curiously, there's pink grapefruit on the nose (both fresh and attractive), and there is a broodiness and clarity. This has fine tannin and is so lovely. I've been waiting for them to do a straight Mourvèdre for years. And here it is.