Pale garnet color. Floral notes on the nose. Big hit of sweet cranberry fruit. Tangy acidity. A great wine for when you are starting to think all wines taste the same. This is different in a good way. Some light spice. Excellent balance. Very nice.
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Although I’ve had a few bottles, I always find this wine a pleasant surprise - almost the colour of rose but with ab aroma of strawberries and a deliciously dry taste.
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What an absolute BEAUTY in the glass. Color has really deepened since the last bottle about two years ago. Nose-tea, orange, grassy. Less blushy color more evil dr. Evil red. Crazy complex, delicate on the front end in body unfolds into a swirling cascade of tea, orange, carrot, oregano. A touch hot on the back end does unfortunately detract. Subtle acid brings support and tannins are indeed subtle as noted by a prior commenter. Despite a delicate entry it does not present as thin. Would have preferred a touch more acid. Improved for sure. Very successful wine.
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Very pale brick/garnet, there are rose wines darker than this. Nose with tart but pure red fruit, campari, some crushed pepper and florals and tea. Palate is medium bodied, fresh, just a touch of acidic lift. Fruity with red cherries and strawberries, black tea, and campari in palate as well. Right off the bat this used to have really grippy tannins but they are rapidly evaporating, now almost completely dissolved and smoothened out. Finishes medium with pure red fruity notes. Time to drink up as I don't think it will evolve anywhere, definitely a wine to drink young. Good stuff still!
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Bottle 4. This wine is so good. It’s underappreciated because of its price and the unusual grape. If it was $98 and marketed as “punching above its price”, it would sell out and be on Top 100 lists everywhere.
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At first, I was wondering if I poured a glass of rooibos (red) tea. Light but floral nose supported by cloves, raspberry, and orange peel. Light bodied and just an interesting wine all around. Palate starts off with strawberries, watermelon, orange zest, and a bit of raspberry. A much larger grippy tannin structure then gracefully replaces the fruit with white pepper, ginger, and a bit of arugula. Long finish that just keeps on building up. As it gets some air, I start to get more oak influence on the finish along with a dash of caramel.
Had no idea what to expect, but I am pleasantly shocked. Probably should not have opened this on a Tuesday night - this is way too thought provoking. Very soft, delicate, and nuanced. Really looking forward to trying the 2018 that was part of the BD14 offer.
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Sick good. Pale color tells you that you are going some place very different and this ends up as a sum better Mashup of aged dry white port and Mission fruit. Fig and oolong. This is just amazing for how much is going on at a barely liminal level. Maybe better note later after I process.
With air, it dials back a bit on the mystery but is still a beautiful wine.
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Fantastiskt vin som jag finner likhet med italiensk gaglioppo och i viss mån gamay. Slank och mogna röda bär med uns av syrlighet och tanniner. Klunkabilitet på högsta nivå.
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Not much has changed since last time. I think it is losing a bit of its "Pinot-ness", and the savory tea notes are getting more pronounced. Still a very enjoyable wine.
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Great for summer consumption with a chill. 55-60° F. is ideal. On first sip the American oak does show up but with a prior quick double decant before tasting this subsides and is a non issue. Beautiful bright light red that brings out cinnamon / white pepper spice wrapped around a core of fresh ripe mix of strawberries & raspberries. I uploaded a photo of this wine in a glass which conveys the electric “kool-aid” red hues. Long live July !
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Delicious wine. Pours deep pink like a tavel. Such an interesting nose that harkens an aged bordeaux, while the structure and acidity of the wine feel more like a young barbaresco. Unique throughout but well worth looking into
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100% Mission from the dry-farmed +50 yo Somers Vineyard located in Lodi, next to the Mokelumne River. Fermented spontaneously, aged in (American?) oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. 12,5% alcohol. Total production 600 cases. Tasted blind.
Very pale, fully translucent rusty-reddish orange color, not unlike oolong tea. The nose is sweet and fragrant with a spicy character that makes me think of Pinot Noir; there are aromas of strawberry-driven red fruits and spicy Pinosity, some sweet nuances of toasty oak, a little bit of ripe cranberry, light nuances of caramel and a hint of floral lift. The wine is clean, round and sunny on the palate with a light-to-medium body and dry flavors of brambly raspberries and overripe frozen strawberries, some oaky notes of caramel and sweet toasty spice, light crunchy nuances of caramel, a little bit of peppery Pinosity, a hint of raspberry marmalade and a touch of clove. The overall feel is a bit on the soft side, due to the quite modest acidity and light, almost imperceptible tannins that contribute a little bit to the velvety texture, but still the wine feels a bit more substantial than the appearance makes you think. The finish is juicy, long and somewhat toasty with flavors of ripe strawberries, some caramel, a little bit of cranberry sauce, light peppery notes of spicy Pinosity, a hint of mocha and a touch of sweet baking spices.
At first I was quite baffled by this wine - it looked and smelled like a very ripe Pinot Noir (with perhaps American oak), but on the palate it reminded me more of Grenache with its ripe, strawberry-driven fruit and quite soft structure. However, before I could guess anything, I was told that this wine was not a Grenache or Pinot Noir and I probably wouldn't guess it - which immediately sent me pondering what on earth this could be. There seemed to be some American oak here, which made me think we must be in California. The color suggested a grape variety low in color, yet it wasn't a Pinot Noir or a Grenache, and the lack of structure didn't seem to coincide with any of the light-colored varieties grown in the US I could think of - apart from Mission, of course, so I had to go with that one - and a bullseye with the first guess! All in all, this was a nice, nuanced and surprisingly Pinot Noir-like red (I guess the combination of a light body, red-toned fruit and the oak spice imitated the spicy Pinosity one can find in, say, German Spätburgunder). However, even when served pretty cool, the overall structure was a bit on the soft side and I really could've used a bit more acidity and tannic grip. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the wine's airy lightness, nuanced fruit flavors and modest, unobtrusive alcohol very much. Not a grand vin by any accounts, but a lovely, eminently drinkable light red wine all the same. Priced somewhat according to the quality at $29, but a steal at the special sale price of just $11.
First time I taste Mission. Extremely pale color, almost watery. On the nose I can smell a perfume of leather, wet earth, raspberries and cinnamon. When tasting the wine I suggest a slight chill because the wine is quite hot. Sweet aftertaste. Good QpR.
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Allow to open up a couple of hours after opening - initially thin and uninspiring it opens up to a beautifully transparent, ripe fruited, perfectly well balanced wine after 2-3 hours
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Other have described this wine very well. Popped and poured, this is a a very pretty wine, both in color and taste. I really like the structure which needed just a few minutes in the glass to show itself. It feels very chameleon as it is both a fantastic food pairing with rich food as well as an intellectual sipper. Really enjoyed this.
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First tour with this wine made on Mission, v fascinating experience. Light, slightly opaque, red ruby and translucent. Fresh aromas, red berries (strawberries, cranberries), lots of spice, blood orange/zest. Palate is medium-minus bodied, lovely mouthfeel, lively acidity, red-berry juice as per above, somewhat sour and spicy saline finish.
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Ok, what the heck is going on in here. Very light red with a tint of orange, typical "Mission" where the color suggests something but then the palate throat punches you in the mouth and reminds you this is a serious wine. On the nose, tasting blind this would fool anyone for a Pinot Noir, powerful and intense, some strawberries, red fruits and black pepper, some acidity, just the right amount. At the same time there is a nice backbone of earthy notes, sous-bois and mushrooms. Tea. Lots of tea. Had to come back and edit the note, but tea. Amazing. This would be very difficult to place in a blind taste. Very enjoyable, this is why I bought a case. My brain just can't get over the split between appearance and palate. How can something so pale to the eye be so intense on the nose? Well done Adam!
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Incredible light color. Like a dark rosé, but it really glows under the light. On the nose: orange peel, clove, dried strawberry, sour cherry, chai, preserved lemon. There’s some real depth and complexity here.
On the palate, medium tannin. From the nose you could maybe think this was a rosé, but the palate rids you of the notion. More savory notes: the clove, dried strawberry, and preserved lemon come through strongly. Really delicious, and this was on pop and pour. I am sure it could develop some additional complexity with time.
The 2018 Malinche was quite good, but this is a knockout. It’s fascinating and delicious at the same time.
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Lovely, bright Ruby red leaning towards rose, cherry rhubarb nose, a touch herbal, floral notes kinda rose-y, really lush upon first sip, surprisingly so given the color, long lasting burst of bright Not quite ripe fruit, simple but not at all simple, so interesting and fun.
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A very interesting wine. Pours a nearly clear, pinkish-rust color. Looks like tea. Smells like tea. Soft red fruit and Asian spice. Very delicate on the palate. Almost pinot-noir like, yet not. A Very restrained touch. Easy to drink. Would like to explore further.
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Close your eyes. Don’t look. Because the translucent light red color is deceiving. This has more liveliness and heft than the color suggests. Nose is peppery but otherwise unrevealing. Take a sip. Now, that’s a strange thing. Full bodied, round, lots of cherry and strawberries, good (not overwhelming) tannins, almost a Pinot Noir and yet, somehow, not at all. Now, wait another beat. White pepper. Lots of pepper. A truck just dumped pepper on your crushed red cherries. Tastes like the alcohol is higher than the claimed 12.5%. A sane, interesting, tasty drop. Likes food (any pairing will do, surprise, surprise.). Not at all what I expected from California’s ancient Mission grape. Pretty good and worth trying.
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While I loved the 2018, this vintage is less compelling. The aromas are in line with my description of the 2018, but the palate never lived up to the interest. At first it was too warm, which didn't help. But after cooling it down it bit the wine never really showed a whole lot beyond some basic fruit with a crunchy character. That's enjoyable and quaffable, sure, but not what I was hoping for. A day later after being recorked it hadn't changed much.
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Bright grape juice appearance. Strawberry, grass, lemon nose; plum, vanilla, strawberry taste with like an interesting wood background to bring it together. Well balanced definitely something unique here.
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PNP. Color of rust, quite light and transparent. Bright red fruit, strawberry, watermelon, cherry, baking spices, ginger. Fresh, with a structure that belies the light color. In the vein of Pinot noir, but uniquely different. My first mission, I will be on the lookout for more.
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Very different. Light color. Nice bright strawberry fruit. Excellent balance. Plenty of punch. You would never expect this from such a light wine. Is color overrated????
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Very light in color - midway between a red and a rose. Blind, I might pin this as a Pinot Noir, but an unusual one. It's lighter in body (and color), but a bit more substantial in tannin structure.
Bright, light, elegant, graceful, subtle. But not boring or quiet or subdued - this is a very nice, enjoyable, balanced wine. Red fruit, like a juicy ripe watermelon. Strawberry. Medium tannin backbone that gives it heft. Spice - ginger? Gentle white pepper? Cinnamon?
4/1/2024 - jonboy74 Likes this wine: 91 Points
delicious, elegant and only 12.5% ABV.
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3/27/2024 - Brian Glas Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pale garnet color. Floral notes on the nose. Big hit of sweet cranberry fruit. Tangy acidity. A great wine for when you are starting to think all wines taste the same. This is different in a good way. Some light spice. Excellent balance. Very nice.
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1/10/2024 - Jon Mills Likes this wine: 91 Points
Although I’ve had a few bottles, I always find this wine a pleasant surprise - almost the colour of rose but with ab aroma of strawberries and a deliciously dry taste.
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10/29/2023 - frvi Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tastes like America. Earthy, strawberry, Pinot like. Highly enjoyable!
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10/12/2023 - Biskuit Likes this wine: 92 Points
LOVE this wine. See prior notes.
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7/1/2023 - Max S. Likes this wine: 92 Points
Chilled it down and drank with pizza, it was a winner as usual.
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5/23/2023 - Discobiscuits42 Likes this wine: 92 Points
What an absolute BEAUTY in the glass. Color has really deepened since the last bottle about two years ago. Nose-tea, orange, grassy. Less blushy color more evil dr. Evil red. Crazy complex, delicate on the front end in body unfolds into a swirling cascade of tea, orange, carrot, oregano. A touch hot on the back end does unfortunately detract. Subtle acid brings support and tannins are indeed subtle as noted by a prior commenter. Despite a delicate entry it does not present as thin. Would have preferred a touch more acid. Improved for sure. Very successful wine.
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5/22/2023 - dera Likes this wine: 89 Points
Very pale brick/garnet, there are rose wines darker than this.
Nose with tart but pure red fruit, campari, some crushed pepper and florals and tea.
Palate is medium bodied, fresh, just a touch of acidic lift. Fruity with red cherries and strawberries, black tea, and campari in palate as well.
Right off the bat this used to have really grippy tannins but they are rapidly evaporating, now almost completely dissolved and smoothened out. Finishes medium with pure red fruity notes.
Time to drink up as I don't think it will evolve anywhere, definitely a wine to drink young. Good stuff still!
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3/24/2023 - Biskuit Likes this wine: 92 Points
DAMN. I love this wine. Outdoors spring patio pizza killer vibes.
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3/6/2023 - jonh1 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Bottle 4. This wine is so good. It’s underappreciated because of its price and the unusual grape. If it was $98 and marketed as “punching above its price”, it would sell out and be on Top 100 lists everywhere.
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2/28/2023 - ChateauShiny Likes this wine: 91 Points
First time ever having a Mission grape wine.
At first, I was wondering if I poured a glass of rooibos (red) tea. Light but floral nose supported by cloves, raspberry, and orange peel. Light bodied and just an interesting wine all around. Palate starts off with strawberries, watermelon, orange zest, and a bit of raspberry. A much larger grippy tannin structure then gracefully replaces the fruit with white pepper, ginger, and a bit of arugula. Long finish that just keeps on building up. As it gets some air, I start to get more oak influence on the finish along with a dash of caramel.
Had no idea what to expect, but I am pleasantly shocked. Probably should not have opened this on a Tuesday night - this is way too thought provoking. Very soft, delicate, and nuanced. Really looking forward to trying the 2018 that was part of the BD14 offer.
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12/27/2022 - lucagiupponi Likes this wine:
What a unique wine. A steely disposition in such a gentle frame. Captivating.
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10/25/2022 - Jon Mills Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicate and delicious
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10/21/2022 - AndrewSGHall wrote: 94 Points
Sick good. Pale color tells you that you are going some place very different and this ends up as a sum better Mashup of aged dry white port and Mission fruit. Fig and oolong. This is just amazing for how much is going on at a barely liminal level. Maybe better note later after I process.
With air, it dials back a bit on the mystery but is still a beautiful wine.
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10/18/2022 - ptaylor2112 Likes this wine: 91 Points
ANDREWSGHALL's comment on aged dry white port is brilliant.
Agree with the other notes of berries and tea. This is very good.
Noticeably less oak than the 2018. I'm not sure if that was due to winemaker's barrel choices or a function of bottle age.
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9/3/2022 - adamanko wrote: 90 Points
Fun! Not like anything else I've drunken. Some candy, some tea with berries underneath. Wish I had bought more. 90?
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8/18/2022 - thunberg wrote: 91 Points
Fantastiskt vin som jag finner likhet med italiensk gaglioppo och i viss mån gamay. Slank och mogna röda bär med uns av syrlighet och tanniner. Klunkabilitet på högsta nivå.
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8/7/2022 - dera Likes this wine: 91 Points
Not much has changed since last time. I think it is losing a bit of its "Pinot-ness", and the savory tea notes are getting more pronounced. Still a very enjoyable wine.
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7/12/2022 - LetItRide Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great for summer consumption with a chill. 55-60° F. is ideal. On first sip the American oak does show up but with a prior quick double decant before tasting this subsides and is a non issue. Beautiful bright light red that brings out cinnamon / white pepper spice wrapped around a core of fresh ripe mix of strawberries & raspberries. I uploaded a photo of this wine in a glass which conveys the electric “kool-aid” red hues.
Long live July !
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7/11/2022 - jviz wrote: 92 Points
Delicious wine. Pours deep pink like a tavel. Such an interesting nose that harkens an aged bordeaux, while the structure and acidity of the wine feel more like a young barbaresco. Unique throughout but well worth looking into
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6/30/2022 - Biskuit Likes this wine: 92 Points
Stunningly delicious
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5/9/2022 - forceberry wrote: 88 Points
100% Mission from the dry-farmed +50 yo Somers Vineyard located in Lodi, next to the Mokelumne River. Fermented spontaneously, aged in (American?) oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. 12,5% alcohol. Total production 600 cases. Tasted blind.
Very pale, fully translucent rusty-reddish orange color, not unlike oolong tea. The nose is sweet and fragrant with a spicy character that makes me think of Pinot Noir; there are aromas of strawberry-driven red fruits and spicy Pinosity, some sweet nuances of toasty oak, a little bit of ripe cranberry, light nuances of caramel and a hint of floral lift. The wine is clean, round and sunny on the palate with a light-to-medium body and dry flavors of brambly raspberries and overripe frozen strawberries, some oaky notes of caramel and sweet toasty spice, light crunchy nuances of caramel, a little bit of peppery Pinosity, a hint of raspberry marmalade and a touch of clove. The overall feel is a bit on the soft side, due to the quite modest acidity and light, almost imperceptible tannins that contribute a little bit to the velvety texture, but still the wine feels a bit more substantial than the appearance makes you think. The finish is juicy, long and somewhat toasty with flavors of ripe strawberries, some caramel, a little bit of cranberry sauce, light peppery notes of spicy Pinosity, a hint of mocha and a touch of sweet baking spices.
At first I was quite baffled by this wine - it looked and smelled like a very ripe Pinot Noir (with perhaps American oak), but on the palate it reminded me more of Grenache with its ripe, strawberry-driven fruit and quite soft structure. However, before I could guess anything, I was told that this wine was not a Grenache or Pinot Noir and I probably wouldn't guess it - which immediately sent me pondering what on earth this could be. There seemed to be some American oak here, which made me think we must be in California. The color suggested a grape variety low in color, yet it wasn't a Pinot Noir or a Grenache, and the lack of structure didn't seem to coincide with any of the light-colored varieties grown in the US I could think of - apart from Mission, of course, so I had to go with that one - and a bullseye with the first guess! All in all, this was a nice, nuanced and surprisingly Pinot Noir-like red (I guess the combination of a light body, red-toned fruit and the oak spice imitated the spicy Pinosity one can find in, say, German Spätburgunder). However, even when served pretty cool, the overall structure was a bit on the soft side and I really could've used a bit more acidity and tannic grip. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the wine's airy lightness, nuanced fruit flavors and modest, unobtrusive alcohol very much. Not a grand vin by any accounts, but a lovely, eminently drinkable light red wine all the same. Priced somewhat according to the quality at $29, but a steal at the special sale price of just $11.
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4/12/2022 - JensAgo Likes this wine: 88 Points
Second go on this wine, notes as per previous review (9 March 2022). Served at 12-14 degrees today. One for the summer, for sure.
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4/10/2022 - abbelarre Likes this wine: 90 Points
First time I taste Mission. Extremely pale color, almost watery. On the nose I can smell a perfume of leather, wet earth, raspberries and cinnamon. When tasting the wine I suggest a slight chill because the wine is quite hot. Sweet aftertaste. Good QpR.
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4/7/2022 - EMichels wrote: 92 Points
Allow to open up a couple of hours after opening - initially thin and uninspiring it opens up to a beautifully transparent, ripe fruited, perfectly well balanced wine after 2-3 hours
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4/5/2022 - datorr Likes this wine:
Previous comments accurate. Very interesting wine. Would definitely look out for it.
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3/19/2022 - dnddrinkwine Likes this wine:
Other have described this wine very well. Popped and poured, this is a a very pretty wine, both in color and taste. I really like the structure which needed just a few minutes in the glass to show itself. It feels very chameleon as it is both a fantastic food pairing with rich food as well as an intellectual sipper. Really enjoyed this.
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3/9/2022 - JensAgo Likes this wine: 88 Points
First tour with this wine made on Mission, v fascinating experience. Light, slightly opaque, red ruby and translucent. Fresh aromas, red berries (strawberries, cranberries), lots of spice, blood orange/zest. Palate is medium-minus bodied, lovely mouthfeel, lively acidity, red-berry juice as per above, somewhat sour and spicy saline finish.
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3/6/2022 - dera Likes this wine: 91 Points
Pop and pour.
Ok, what the heck is going on in here. Very light red with a tint of orange, typical "Mission" where the color suggests something but then the palate throat punches you in the mouth and reminds you this is a serious wine. On the nose, tasting blind this would fool anyone for a Pinot Noir, powerful and intense, some strawberries, red fruits and black pepper, some acidity, just the right amount. At the same time there is a nice backbone of earthy notes, sous-bois and mushrooms. Tea. Lots of tea. Had to come back and edit the note, but tea. Amazing. This would be very difficult to place in a blind taste. Very enjoyable, this is why I bought a case. My brain just can't get over the split between appearance and palate. How can something so pale to the eye be so intense on the nose? Well done Adam!
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3/4/2022 - mkribar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Incredible light color. Like a dark rosé, but it really glows under the light. On the nose: orange peel, clove, dried strawberry, sour cherry, chai, preserved lemon. There’s some real depth and complexity here.
On the palate, medium tannin. From the nose you could maybe think this was a rosé, but the palate rids you of the notion. More savory notes: the clove, dried strawberry, and preserved lemon come through strongly. Really delicious, and this was on pop and pour. I am sure it could develop some additional complexity with time.
The 2018 Malinche was quite good, but this is a knockout. It’s fascinating and delicious at the same time.
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2/25/2022 - Biskuit Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lovely, bright Ruby red leaning towards rose, cherry rhubarb nose, a touch herbal, floral notes kinda rose-y, really lush upon first sip, surprisingly so given the color, long lasting burst of bright Not quite ripe fruit, simple but not at all simple, so interesting and fun.
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1/22/2022 - decaturwinedude wrote: 90 Points
A very interesting wine. Pours a nearly clear, pinkish-rust color. Looks like tea. Smells like tea. Soft red fruit and Asian spice. Very delicate on the palate. Almost pinot-noir like, yet not. A Very restrained touch. Easy to drink. Would like to explore further.
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8/20/2021 - Cal Bear Likes this wine: 89 Points
Close your eyes. Don’t look. Because the translucent light red color is deceiving. This has more liveliness and heft than the color suggests. Nose is peppery but otherwise unrevealing. Take a sip. Now, that’s a strange thing. Full bodied, round, lots of cherry and strawberries, good (not overwhelming) tannins, almost a Pinot Noir and yet, somehow, not at all. Now, wait another beat. White pepper. Lots of pepper. A truck just dumped pepper on your crushed red cherries. Tastes like the alcohol is higher than the claimed 12.5%. A sane, interesting, tasty drop. Likes food (any pairing will do, surprise, surprise.). Not at all what I expected from California’s ancient Mission grape. Pretty good and worth trying.
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7/10/2021 - klezman wrote:
While I loved the 2018, this vintage is less compelling. The aromas are in line with my description of the 2018, but the palate never lived up to the interest. At first it was too warm, which didn't help. But after cooling it down it bit the wine never really showed a whole lot beyond some basic fruit with a crunchy character. That's enjoyable and quaffable, sure, but not what I was hoping for.
A day later after being recorked it hadn't changed much.
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7/4/2021 - Discobiscuits42 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bright grape juice appearance. Strawberry, grass, lemon nose; plum, vanilla, strawberry taste with like an interesting wood background to bring it together. Well balanced definitely something unique here.
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6/18/2021 - Maphill01 Likes this wine:
PNP. Color of rust, quite light and transparent. Bright red fruit, strawberry, watermelon, cherry, baking spices, ginger. Fresh, with a structure that belies the light color. In the vein of Pinot noir, but uniquely different. My first mission, I will be on the lookout for more.
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5/17/2021 - Brian Glas Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very different. Light color. Nice bright strawberry fruit. Excellent balance. Plenty of punch. You would never expect this from such a light wine. Is color overrated????
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5/1/2021 - jonh1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very light in color - midway between a red and a rose. Blind, I might pin this as a Pinot Noir, but an unusual one. It's lighter in body (and color), but a bit more substantial in tannin structure.
Bright, light, elegant, graceful, subtle. But not boring or quiet or subdued - this is a very nice, enjoyable, balanced wine. Red fruit, like a juicy ripe watermelon. Strawberry. Medium tannin backbone that gives it heft. Spice - ginger? Gentle white pepper? Cinnamon?
Seek this out. It’s different and quite good.
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3/12/2021 - ekorn wrote:
To be truthful, I pulled this bottle by accident.
This was my first Mission. It was light-bodied with strawberry, watermelon and a bit of cinnamon. A unique experience that I would seek out again.
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