by Andrew Chalk
Murrieta's Well is a Livermore Valley wine estate defined by its rich heritage steeped in California wine history, stunning location, and 100% estate wines.
Boutique, family-owned, and run by fifth generation winegrower Jordan Wente, it remains one of California’s original wine estates, with the property growing grapes since the 1880s using descendants of original cuttings from two of Bordeaux’s most legendary vineyards: Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux.
Set in the heart of the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), as well as the greater San Francisco Bay AVA, Murrieta’s Well is located just 35 miles east of San Francisco. The winery draws from its 500 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards for its sophisticated selection of small lot and blended wines.
· 2021 Rosé: The Counoise, Grenache, and Mourvedre grapes are grown across two hillside vineyard sites, ensuring optimal flavor and fruit expression. Aromas of fresh strawberry and pomegranate are lifted by a hint of pink grapefruit. Medium-bodied, the wine gains brightness and bounce from sweet red cherries. (SRP: $35)
TASTING NOTE: This is a delightful light rosé for quaffing on warm days or pairing with grilled salmon or pork chops.
· 2021 Small Lot Sauvignon Blanc: Grown in the original Louis Mel vineyard plot located across the Livermore Valley arroyo that runs directly in front of the historic Murrieta’s Well barn, this Sauvignon Blanc is grown from descendants of the original Chateau d’Yquem cuttings planted by Louis Mel in the late 1800s. The wine delivers aromatics of passion fruit, lime, and apple, with a hint of lychee. (SRP: $50)
· 2021 The Whip: This white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Orange Muscat, and Viognier, bursts from the gate with a full measure of ripe-peach fruitiness buffered by floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom. Likewise, it delivers flavors of white apricot, Asian pear, a hint of honeydew, and Meyer lemon. (SRP: $30)
TASTING NOTE: Lovely fruit-driven dry white that could be considered an alternative to that chardonnay that you usually choose. Can be quaffed but I enjoyed it most with Thai food where noodles vegetables paired so well with it.
· 2019 Cabernet Franc: Harvested from hillside Livermore Valley vineyards, this Bordeaux variety exhibits aromas of dark red fruit and a hint of toasty oak. Medium bodied with bold tannins, flavors of blackberry and plum are complemented by vanilla and dried herbs. This wine is to be enjoyed through 2026. (SRP: $64)
All Murrieta’s Well 100% estate wines are California Certified Sustainable.
Sample.