2019 Moraga Red
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes 


2019 I would characterize as the last of the traditional harvests. Much like 2018 2019 was a warm year accentuated with fires and I feel the year serves as a terminus that where then we begin a new with 2020 the following year that then can be described as chaotic and unpredictable in terms of climate and weather that is typical of the region. 

Similarly, I half believe the vines recognized this and rushed to get to the finish line. All of the red blocks that year were picked within nine days. Going back into the historical records, that is the shortest amount of time between the start and finish of the red harvest. 

And I think that rush was reflected in the wines. The wines were whole when I began, but they seemed a little tight and slightly underdeveloped. This resulted in the decision to let the wine stay in barrel for a little bit longer than the historical average. The wines aged in barrel for 35 months before bottling and I feel that the resulting wine displays exactly what Moraga should exhibit in the nose, flavors and palate. 

Beautifully perfumed dark fruit, notes of black plum, blackberry, and black cherry are mingled with components of cedar and graphite, along with a hint of cassis. The entry is round rich and plush. You recognize this wine as being thoroughly Moraga as it is elegant, beautifully, balanced, and wonderfully structured with very fine grained tannins. 

Paul Warson, Winemaker