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97 WSM. "One of the most riveting vintages of Gravelly Meadow we’ve tasted on release, this grows on an ancient alluvial wash of river stones where the vines date to 1968 and consistently produce the lowest crop of Diamond Creek’s three main vineyards. In 2010, the yield on this vineyard was down more than 25 percent, due to culling fruit after the west-facing bunches were burned in the heat wave. Phil Steinschriber delayed harvest until October 22nd, when the threat of rain forced his hand. In the end, Gravelly Meadow produced his most aromatically beautiful wine. It smells like the manzanita groves on the hillside above Gravelly Meadow; that, plus racy red and black fruit, lean forest-berry flavors that layer with a cool soil character in the tannins as the scent draws you in to the taste. What’s equally beautiful is the texture, capturing the concentrated flavors and presenting them with silken grace. Under all that supple, lean muscle, the wine has a strong spine, structured to go the distance in the cellar." Wine & Spirits Magazine |