At the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, Mourvèdre proved its quiet power and complexity, but one wine clearly rose above the rest. Maryhill Winery’s 2023 Vineyard Series Mourvèdre earned the prestigious title of Best Mourvèdre, capturing the judges’ attention with a wine that was as compelling as it was memorable.

Maryhill Winery has built a reputation for producing wines that showcase both varietal integrity and regional character. With a focus on thoughtful vineyard sourcing and meticulous winemaking, the winery consistently crafts wines that balance structure, richness, and approachability. Their Vineyard Series highlights carefully selected sites, allowing individual varietals to express their full potential.

With the 2023 Vineyard Series Mourvèdre, Maryhill demonstrates a deep understanding of this often-underappreciated Rhône varietal. Mourvèdre can be powerful, earthy, and structured — a grape that demands precision in both vineyard and cellar. In the right hands, however, it transforms into something captivating.

The 2023 Vineyard Series Mourvèdre is a striking example of the grape’s expressive potential. Mourvèdre is known for its depth, savory undertones, and layered fruit character, and this bottling stood out for its balance and sheer drinkability.

During blind judging, the wine distinguished itself not only through technical excellence, but through its immediate appeal — a quality that often separates good wines from truly great ones.

Mourvèdre may not always command the spotlight like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, but awards like this demonstrate its remarkable potential when crafted with care. Maryhill Winery’s victory reinforces the grape’s place among serious contenders in today’s wine landscape. The 2023 Vineyard Series Mourvèdre is more than just a category winner — it’s a reminder that sometimes the most exciting discoveries come from varietals that reward curiosity and craftsmanship in equal measure.