The historic stone and wood winery at Murrieta’s Well

Murrieta’s Well is a Livermore Valley AVA winery focused on small-lot, 100% estate wines. These wines include varieties well-associated with the region, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, but also blends of Iberian varieties and more.

The estates includes five multi-block vineyards totaling roughly 500 acres with 21 varieties planted. One of those vineyards, the Louis Mel, surrounds the winery. It’s one of the oldest vineyards in Livermore Valley, originally cultivated by French-born Louis Mel—who called it El Mocho—in the 1880’s. His initial vines included Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle sourced directly from Chateau d’Yquem in Bordeaux. Mel sold his vineyard to a friend, Ernest Wente, in 1933.

The Wente family continued to shepherd the vineyard and make excellent Sauvignon Blanc under their own labels, but didn’t have an operating winery on the property until 1990. Then, they restored the original winery and dubbed it Murrieta’s Well. The name is an homage to a spring on the property which was known by that name even before Mel bought the property.

Joachin Murrieta only lived to the age of 24 or so, but was sometimes referred to as the Mexican Robin Hood in his day. During his short life, he was a miner, a wrangler/rustler of livestock and an avenger of crimes against his family. It’s said that he often watered his horses at the spring which later bore his name. Murrieta’s nephew, Procopio, may have been an inspiration for the fictional character Zorro.

Today, the winery is an entertaining visit but without any high-drama on horseback. The facilities, which include a full, commercial kitchen, were renovated earlier this year to better accommodate club members and special events. It’s a very attractive and popular location for weddings.

2014 Murrieta’s Well Small Lot Chardonnay Livermore Valley 90 13.9% 750ml $44

Attractive, focused aromas and flavors of ripe yellow pear, yellow apple, peach, lemon and baking spice. The palate is medium+ in body with a very nice, silky mouthfeel and plenty of juiciness. Good with or without food.

2015 Murrieta’s Well Sauvignon Blanc Livermore Valley 88 14.1% 750ml $35

100% Sauvignon Blanc showing aromas of green apple, preserved lemon and white peach. The refreshing palate has medium+ body and long flavors of grapefruit, lemon-lime, tart stone fruit and mineral. Drink now through 2020.

2015 Murrieta’s Well Muscat Canelli Livermore Valley 88+ 14.1% 750ml $35

This dry Muscat is almost water white in the glass, but is generously aromatic: sweet grapefruit, guava and white flowers, included dried honeysuckle. The tangy palate holds those flavors too, plus orange pith. The finish is clean, refreshing and slightly mineral.

2015 Murrieta’s Well Small Lot Dry Rosé Livermore Valley 88 13.8% 750ml $30

A light copper-colored rosé made from Grenache (55%) and Counoise (45%). Gently tart strawberry ice cream on the nose. Flavors of melon and tangerine pith join the strawberry on the medium-bodied palate. Fine-grained texture adds interest and a bit of grip. Best with food, such as roast chicken or sautéed salmon.

2013 Murrieta’s Well “The Spur” Red Blend Livermore Valley 88 14.5% 750ml (screwcap) $30

Dark ruby in the glass with aromas of dark red cherry, oak, spice, ripe plum and black cherry. There’s moderate, fine-grained texture and freshness with medium+ body in the mouth. Flavors match the nose. A good, every-day red that will go with a wide range of foods.

2013 Murrieta’s Well Petit Verdot “Los Tesoros” Livermore Valley 88 14.1% 750ml $54

Livermore Valley’s climate turns the often chewy blender Petit Verdot into a flavorful and approachable main attraction as seen in this blend, which includes 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. Medium+ body and tannins that are fine and grippy yet softish. There are violets, earth, jammy black currant and blackberry, dusty spice and oak on nose and palate. Good length.

2013 Murrieta’s Well Small Lot Malbec Livermore Valley 88+ 13.5% 750ml $40

Dark purple and medium-bodied with aromas and flavors of smoky blackberry jam, dusty wood and spice. Lightly textured and friendly. Perfect for a good bacon cheeseburger or grilled chicken. Best now through 2020.

2014 Murrieta’s Well Zarzuela Red Blend Livermore Valley 90 14.1% 750ml $60

A lovely, dark red blend of 40% Tempranillo, 25% Souzao, 20% Touriga, 8% Counoise and 7% Petite Sirah. Jammy blackberry and black cherry adorned with notes of purple flowers and spice. Body is medium to medium+ with moderate, fine-grained tannins and surprising freshness. A flavorful wine that carries itself lightly.

Copyright Fred Swan 2016. Photo courtesy of Murrieta’s Well. All rights reserved.