Reviews & Ratings

2009 Mauritson Dessert & Ice Wine "Rockpile Independence"

Winery: Mauritson

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Rockpile Independence"

Wine Category: Dessert & Ice Wine

Grape blend: 25% Tinto Cao, 25% Tinta Madeira, 25% Touriga Nacional, & 25% Sousao

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Rockpile

State or country: CA

Price: $35

Cases produced: 247

KWG Score: 90 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: December 28, 2011

Wine Review: This opaque and very dark purple colored red wine reminds me of a Zinfandel port. It opens with a mild blackberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, rich and concentrated. The flavor profile is a lush blackberry jam with notes of spice and black cherry with a hint of plum. The finish is dry and it does a great job of hiding its alcohol for a dessert styled wine. I would pair this wine with chocolate covered strawberries. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Port has always been a passion of mine. Some of my fondest family memories revolve around the dinner table: great food, great wine and of course, finishing the evening off with a great bottle of Port. In 1999 when we started planting our Rockpile vineyards, I seized the opportunity to fulfill one of my wine aspirations: to make a vintage port using authentic Portuguese varieties. The 2009 Independence is a beautiful blackish, purple color. The viscosity of the wine is apparent from the second you pour it, the legs cling to the glass; further expressing its depth of color. Rich aromas of chocolate and sweet oak are complemented by the fragrance of dark fruits. Flavors of blackberry cobbler and cherry pie exemplify the fruit. Full in the front palate without any sharp edges, structured tannins lay just below the surface. Complex flavors of tobacco, minerals and toasted almonds mesh beautifully with the ripe berry fruit. The finish is surprisingly lush and long for such a young wine. The great balance of the 2009 vintage makes this wine enjoyable with desserts or otherwise sweet dishes and certainly on its own! This wine should age well over the next 10-15 years.

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