Preston Dry Creek Valley Mourvedre 2023 PET-NAT old barrels

old barrels

Jean Manciat farms a handful of hectares in Charnay

At just 13

and refreshing in a way that few wines anywhere manage

French oak — but with a higher proportion of Merlot and younger vines

Preston Dry Creek Valley Mourvedre 2023 PET-NAT old barrelsMourvdre is the wild, brooding member of the southern Rhne family, and Lou Preston was one of the first Californians to take it seriously planting it in Dry Creek when conventional wisdom said don't. The estate is farmed organically and biodynamically (Demeter certified 2015), and 2023's slow, cool growing season gave the variety exactly what it needs: time to ripen patiently without rocketing sugar. Expect minty plum, pomegranate, cracked pepper and