2007 Moraga Red

Moraga’s 2007 growing season started off at the end of a drought period, so the vines began their growth cycle with less soil moisture than normal.  A warm, dry March produced near-perfect conditions for flowering and fruit set. The summer proceeded with normal temperatures and ended with a minor heat spike that started at the end of August and eased into the first part of September.  The entire ripening period of September and October was marked by temperatures slightly cooler than the norm with noticeably more coastal gloom than usual. This influence was so pronounced that we did not begin picking the first red grapes until October 12^th, about three weeks later than we start in most years, giving us a bit more time for flavor and tannin development.  The surprise was that our harvest period was more compressed that usual, ending with our final pick on October 30^th.

Despite the challenges of the weather, or perhaps as a result of them, we produced a stunning red wine from the 2007 vintage. Beautiful perfumed dark fruit notes of black plum and blackberry are mingled with familiar components of tobacco and mineral, along with a hint of cassis, the common threads that tie together every vintage of Moraga.  The entry is rich, round and plush.  Plum, blackberry and cassis flavors mirror the aroma.  This wine is the complete package: elegant, exquisitely balanced and beautifully structured with very fine-grained tannins.  Full of youthful vitality with a juicy, persistent finish, Moraga’s 2007 Red Wine holds the promise of exceptional ageability.