Photos: domainedemourchon.com

“How do you make a million dollars in the wine business?” the old saw goes. “Start with a billion.” Which begs the question “How do you make a million dollar wine?” Well, in the case of Domaine de Mourchon, follow your heart.

In 1998,  the vineyard sirens beckoned loudly from the limestone cliffs of Séguret to retired Scottish IT executive Walter McKinley. So much for ‘retirement.’  Soon McKinley transplanted himself and his family to the heart of the Vaucluse, and in short order set to produce world class wines.

In 2009, binNotes visited Domaine de Mourchon, a terraced hillside in the shadow of Mont Ventoux in Southern Rhone, observing first-hand the vineyard’s tenaciously tended vines, soils of grey marl, limestone and clay, and indigenous vegetation – all part of the area’s distinct terroir so lovingly expressed in the wines.

Recently, visitors back from the vineyard gifted binNotes with a bottle of Domaine du Mourchon Châteauneuf du Pape 2009. A classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah, this CNDP unfolds lightly on the palate, with moderate acid and tannins, 16% alcohol, and soft garnet hue. Be still, my heart! Easy to pair with simple fare such as tapas, cassoulets, or ratatouille, or merely as a conversation enhancer with friends. Santé!