Drink more Livermore


Livermore Valley is one of California oldest wine regions, although still rather under the radar. Its first commercial vines were planted in 1840 and nowadays it is home to over 50 wineries. One of those, the lovely Murrieta’s Well, is a true California original. I recently had the pleasure of tasting through some of their catalog along with their winemaker Robbie Meyer and my friends at Snooth.


Murrieta’s Well specializes in terroir-driven, limited production wine blends that showcase and complement the Livermore Valley terroir and its many microclimates. Its first vines were planted in 1884 with cuttings from Chateau d’Yquem (see my blog about visiting them!) and Chateau Margaux (no invite yet…)

The 2017 Sauvignon Blanc was a great way to start the tasting, especially in summer. Its mouthwatering minerality coupled with its floral and even tropical fruit notes make for an elegant wine, with a lovely zing of crisp acidity. A balanced beauty for sure.

It was yes way, rosé for me with their 2017 Dry Rosé – which I found to have a simple, crisp start that evolved into quite a rich and mature finish. I especially enjoyed the soft high notes of jasmine coupled with bright strawberries.

I’m a sucker for a dry, silky, dark chocolate finish on a red, and the Murrieta’s Well 2015 The Spur checked all those boxes. This spicy, almost-Bordeaux (there’s some delightful Petite Sirah in there) blend is big but refined and smooth and can definitely age for a few years yet.  

I love exploring lesser known wine regions, and this little meander into Livermore Valley made me eager to do some tastings in person. Try them! (And let me know what you think.)

Also, check out the Snooth/Murrieta’s Well tasting video and chat in its entirety. Cheers!

Murrieta's Well 2016 The Whip - as featured on the Snooth/Murrieta's Well tasting link above

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