December, 2013
Top 100 Wines of 2013
San Francisco Chronicle
"2010 Holly's Hill Petit Patriarche El Dorado Red ($20, 14.5%):
The Cooper family's tiny Placerville label remains a top source for affordable, minerally Rhone-inspired wines. This mix of 86 percent Mourvedre with Grenache and Syrah, aged in neutral oak, provides a beautiful foothills expression: Flowers, white pepper and dried thyme accent fresh red berry fruit. Mourvedre to enjoy in the moment.
RHONE-STYLE REDS
...Grenache continues to show its virtues, as does Mourvedre. In all, it adds up to a terrific time to be enjoying these varieties..."