PÁŠXA Rockgarden Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre is generally found as part of a blend. At Rockgarden Vineyard, the individual wine is too intriguing not to bottle a single vineyard version.
The expression of Mourvèdre from our Rockgarden Estate Vineyard is earthy with generous black fruit and herbal notes. The wine is structured with balanced acidity and a generous mid-palate. The only problem? We can never make enough.
2023 VINTAGE ACCLAIM
“The 2023 PÁŠXA Rockgarden Vineyard Mourvèdre opens with heady aromatics of blackberry compote, blueberry skin, and dark plum shaded by hints of dried meat and toasted tree nuts. The palate arrives with ample weight yet surprising clarity, unfolding in slow waves as dense fruit saturates the mid-palate without tipping into heaviness. Rather than relying on sheer power, the wine builds interest through texture, showing a layered, almost velvety feel that keeps the profile composed and balanced. Subtle notes of dried violets drift through the core, adding richness while allowing the fruit to remain firmly in command. As the wine advances, savory elements begin to surface, lending dimension and a slightly brooding character. The finish presses forward with intention, revealing accents of black tea leaf and dried strawberry that carry long after the fruit recedes. Highly recommended.”
– 96 points, Int’l Wine Report
“As I’ve written before, Mourvèdre as a varietal wine is a challenge. Mostly used in blends, as a standalone it has to perform differently. As it does here. Full-bodied, aromatic, balanced, dense and complex, this lovely wine offers a lush blend of blue and black fruits, lightly dappled with almond paste and milk chocolate. The way it penetrates through the finish, accented with breakfast tea and tobacco, is why it earns the score.”
– 96 points, Paul Gregutt
“A sauvage character through and through from the Rockgarden Mourvédre, a site planted in 2007, situated in the highest part of the massive cobblestones in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. Wild herbs and crushed black stone give a savoury elegance to the aromatics of this very sophisticated Rocks Mourvédre. Mineral tones are kissed by dark berries and a note of black plum. The palate is dense, with layers of savoury herbs, rich umami, and deep, ripe fruit, all colliding beautifully. An impressive bottling that will age undeniably.”
– 95 points, Decanter
“The 2023 Mourvèdre Rockgarden is darkly floral with a brooding, savory blend of rose petals, ashen stone and exotic spice, giving way to black raspberries. It is silken in form with crisp acidity and mineral tones up front that add crunchy depth to its tart wild berry fruits. Fine-grained tannins frame the long, youthfully structured finish.”
– 94 points, Vinous
View 2022 Vintage Acclaim
“If you love Chateauneuf-du-Pape you’ll want to try this wine. I am not sure if it’s pure Mourvèdre, but whether or not it’s a fine reflection of a southern Rhône style with Rocks District pizzazz. Aromatic and packed with fresh berry and plum fruit, this is a spicy, focused wine that carries enough acidity to keep it on point. It’s backed with savory phenolics that provide a bouncy base to the finish. Along with the Syrah, this is a wine that didn’t show the slightest bit of a fade even on the third day.”
– 97 points Paul Gregutt, Paul Gregutt’s NW Wine Guide
“The 2022 Mourvèdre from Rockgarden Vineyard offers a captivating glimpse into the Rocks District’s signature profile. Deep ruby with garnet highlights, this wine opens with a bold aromatic medley of black raspberries, red currants, and cracked white pepper, interwoven with smoked meats, wild sage, and hints of forest floor. The palate is both supple and structured, featuring plush red and black fruit flavors underscored by earthy nuances of dried herbs and leather. Silky, well-integrated tannins provide depth and a finely tuned balance, while the finish lingers with notes of savory spice and mineral-driven freshness.”
– 96 points Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
“Peppery red and black fruits, smoked game, underbrush, and sage/bouquet garni-like notes all emerge from the 2022 Mourvèdre Rockgarden Vineyard, another medium to full-bodied 2022 barrel sample that has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet nicely integrated tannins, and a great finish. There’s a supple, forward style here, but it certainly doesn’t lack for structure and tannins either.”
– 93-95 points Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com
“Dark and stony aromas with edges of briny soy from the Rockgarden Vineyard planted in 2007 by Nina Buty, situated in the highest part of the cobblestones in the Rocks District of Milton Freewater. The vineyard has been densely planted to top clones of Syrah and certified organic by Oregon Tilth in 2010. Farming of this estate vineyard for PÁŠXA wines utilises organic and biodynamic practices. The palate is marked by dried strawberries, wild thyme, rosemary, and tinges of roast game. The iron ore finish drives the minerality, finishing with a salty, mineral edge.”
– 95 points Clive Pursehouse, Decanter
“The last variety harvested, the 2022 Mourvedre Rockgarden Vineyard is opulent in structured density, rounded and layered in full-bodied, upfront berry, leather, and dried herb. Age-worthy structure graces an inherent earthiness and length of leather and garrigue. It’s balanced enough to last another 10-15 years.”
– 95 points Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck
“Translucent in the glass, the gorgeous 2022 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Mourvedre is a great showing from this year that saw a relatively late harvest. A waft of smoldering stones greets you on the nose alongside black truffle shavings, Nori and bright red fruits. The palate is wonderfully stony and intense, with a smooth mouthfeel and beautiful tension that runs through a core of red and dark fruits, with bergamot accents. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033”
– 95 points Owen Bargreen
