2010 Moraga Red
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2010 Moraga Red Moraga’s 2010 growing season began with the sort of weather patterns to which we’ve grown accustomed. Budbreak and flowering patterns continued through July with what appeared to be the usual “June gloom” that is so much a part of life this close to Santa Monica By. It was then that Mother Nature threw an interesting twist at us with both record high and record low temperatures. Coastal overcast continued into August, which proved to be coolest August on record. A significant marine layer and cool temperatures persisted through most of a colder-than-normal September. A spike in temperatures at the end of September continued into October, and then ended abruptly with a series of rain showers and thunderstorms. Overall, Bel air saw its coolest summer since 1948, leading to an unusually late and compact red grape harvest that ran from October 20thto November 4th. The benefit was incredible hang time for flavor and tannin development, coupled with a miniscule crop that yielded only 1.4 tons per acre. The result of the unusual weather patterns coupled with a smaller yield lead to a more complex, concentrated 2010 Moraga Red Wine. Aroma notes include black olive, tobacco, blackberry jam, red currant, a hint of bay leaf, and the usual streak of minerality that runs through most Moraga bottlings. Seamlessly integrated flavors mirror the nose with a mouthful of blueberry cobbler, lending the perception of great fruit without being over-ripe. A caressingly supple flavor, velvety tannin, and round texture slides into a lingering, mouth-watering finish. Although the wine is perfectly delicious now, those with the discipline for extended cellaring will be handsomely rewarded for the virtue of patience. Vintages like Moraga’s 2010 always remind us that we are not in complete control and sometimes have to wait for beauty to unfold. Over twenty-two harvests, we’ve learned that we can’t hurry events in the vineyard and this harvest proved to be an extreme example of this lesson. We hope that you truly enjoy this wine and joyfully share it with those near and dear to you. |