This year the inclusion of Old Vine Petite Sirah and Carignane from Al Frediani’s fantastic vineyard just south of Calistoga has taken Ritual to another level. The floral and spicy aromatics are intense, lively, yet deep. The palate is hugely ripe and sweet with fruit, and our minimal use of new oak allows the floral, spicy, layered flavors and texture to shine. We dare say this is the best vintage of Ritual by a long shot! 460 cases made.
Dense and powerful, with firm road tar, black licorice, blackberry, smoke and ripe berry flavors. Full-blown, deep and persistent, long and layered, promising even more in a year or two. Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignane, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best from 2012 through 2022.
Composed of 40% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache and the rest Carignan, Syrah and Petite Sirah, the 2009 Ritual Proprietary Red showcases the beauty of these Rhone Ranger varietals. Lots of pepper, roasted meat, herb and red and black fruit aromas tumble out of the glass of this dark purple-colored wine. Terrific fruit intensity, a beautiful texture and a heady finish make for a supple, velvety, luscious red to drink over the next 5-7 years.
Good deep red. Lovely aromatic nose offers cherry lifted by a floral element. Dense, sweet and seamless, with grenache cherry complicated by a wild mourvedre note and an eatery quality from the century-old carignan element cropped at a ton per acre (the wine's mourvedre and grenache components are from 10-year-old vines). Finishes with firm tannins and noteworthy persistence. A very good showing.
