Pedernales Cellars Texas GSM 2013: Unusual approach to GSM with this effort: 50% mourvedre, 32% syrah, 18% grenache (in a southern Rhône GSM pour, the percentages would be reversed). The mix brings mourvedre’s leathery, spicy, gamey elements to larger play with raspberry, plum, blackberry and cherry from syrah and grenache, touch chocolate comes on at the finish. Pedernales varies the blend percentages each year, probably responding to results from their vineyards in Stonewall, Texas, so vintage will significantly influence wine year-to-year. The winemakers, however, are skillful and committed to sustainability, so variations will likely be an adventure, not a crap shoot. As usual with better Texas wines, this is upper end of value-for-price, but you will enjoy. Decanting significantly helps smooth out this effort. $26
