How weird. Apparently, thieves ravaged a vineyard on Southeast Washington’s Red Mountain this week—stealing only mourvedre fruit. The fruit belonged to Grand Rêve Vintners, a Kirkland-based collaboration that partners Washington winemakers with some of the state’s choicest vineyards.

Traditionally a blending grape, mourvedre, like grenache, has recently peaked the interest of winemakers, who are experimenting with creating single-varietal wines from the grapes. The Red Mountain marauders ignored a nearby crop of cabernet, says KNDO, who got the story.

From the article:

"[Grand Rêve Managing partner Ryan Johnson] says what’s even more annoying is that the crooks picked the grapes about 10 days too early. ‘If these guys would have waited 10 more days, the flavors would have been more developed, richer, riper, and they would have made a better wine from it. So if you’re going to steal my fruit, at least do it at the right time.’"

Grand Rêve announced yesterday on its Facebook page that they will reward $5,000 to anyone who can help them find the folks who absconded with its 1.25 tons of grapes.