Mending Wall “Mortar & Stone” Napa Valley Red Blend 2023

Alcohol: 14.5%

Grape(s): 70% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 10% Charbono

Localization: Napa Valley, California, USA

Tasting Notes: The Mending Wall “Mortar & Stone” is a blend of 70% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, and 10% Charbono. In the glass, the wine presents a deep garnet-color, with a nose that bursts with dark fruit aromas like boysenberry, black cherry, and plum, alongside intriguing notes of leather, cedar, cigar box, and anise. The palate echoes these aromas with juicy fruit flavors balanced by smooth acidity, high but well-integrated tannins, and a long, lingering finish. An impressive wine that is at once powerful and complex, but also elegant and mysterious.

The Domain: Mending Wall Winery is owned Frank Dotzler, Mark Pulido and Donna Walker, and legendary winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, who created the project in 2012. What’s interesting about Mending Wall is that all three business partners are also winemakers. Dotzler came on board with his Outpost Winery, Pulido and Walker had their namesake vineyards and wines, and Rivers Brown already had a vast client list.