Just released, this 2018 vintage marks the fifth vintage of 'Mortar &
Stone', a Red blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. The Zinfandel from high atop
Atlas Peak’s Mountain Peak Vineyard produces robust, showy mountain fruit.
Meanwhile, the venerable Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah completes the blend,
lending tannic backbone and deep, black color. Those who
have become familiar with the alluring structure and lightly peppered blue
fruit notes will no doubt be further enticed by the layered nuances of
blackberry from the Zinfandel. A balanced and approachable wine now, it will
evolve to be even better with a few years in bottle.
Mending Wall is the culmination of Thomas Rivers Brown and his decades of
winemaking efforts at Outpost, owned by Frank Dotzler and Pulido-Walker, owned
by Mark Pulido and Donna Walker. Together, they formed Mending Wall, located on
the eastern side of Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga. Here,
Thomas produces wines for his numerous clients and he also produces its
namesake wines. While I have tried many vintages of their offerings since their
debut in 2013, I have always found their Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon to
be the best and most worthy of buying.