2022 Cabernet Franc
Lively, fruity, and versatile, this is the go-to red when in doubt. Don't let the fun side fool you though; there's depth and complexity to be discovered when you spend some time with it. Nose of orange peel, all spice, and pomegranate. Bright and juicy mouthfeel with a clean lip smacking finish. Only 55 cases produced.
2020 Montepulciano
This is my first Montepulciano release from the Persia vineyard in northern Russian river appellation and I couldn't be happier with the result. The wine shows black fruit, cigar box, and worn leather on the nose. It is full bodied with fine grain tannins and a long plush finish. A true example of how this variety grown here can rival its Italian counterparts. Only 38 cases produced.
2022 Grenache Blanc
Made with with grapes from the organically farmed vineyards of Front Porch Farm, this wine manages to be at the same time luscious and light footed. Aromas of honeydew melon, pomelo and magnolia blossoms are lovingly coupled with the crisp and rich mouthfeel.
The finish stays with you just like after a great movie when the credits roll and you smile, sitting there until the end.
2019 Cabernet Franc
The 2019 CABERNET FRANC hails from a diminutive quarter of an acre vineyard tucked against a volcanic rock hillside. Outgoing, friendly, certainly showing the fruity side of this variety without eschewing that faint herbaceous character from its Cabernet Sauvignon parentage. I call it my “yet” wine: Fleshy yet fresh, smooth yet structured, versatile yet complex. With a little digging, one can find hints of pink peppercorn, clove, licorice, blueberry, and magnolia blossom; a mix that straddles the line between western and eastern flavors, like a bridge over the Bosphorus. 48 cases produced.
2018 Montepulciano
The 2018 MONTEPULCIANO from the Fox hill vineyard in Mendocino was a little bear of a wine in its youth. Unsuccessfully trying to hide a warm heart and complex personality behind a bit of muscular posturing, it has now shed the rough edges. Full, big, juicy, showing white pepper and blackberry at the forefront, it takes a masculine (musk, tobacco flower, leather) turn in the long finish. The tannins have taken a polished sheen and should sustain this wine's energy for another 5 years. 73 cases produced.
2018 Cabernet Franc
Juicy black cherry, savory hint of red pepper, musky je-ne-sais-quoi, this wine checks all the boxes of a solid and pure Cabernet Franc. 6 years of aging has only deepened the flavors of this beauty. From the Persia vineyard in the north-eastern part of the Russian River appellation, only 35 cases produced.
2015 Montepulciano
Only 3 cases left...
From grapes grown at 1300 feet elevation in the Yorkville Highland appelation of Mendocino county.
This wine shows the classic side of Montepulciano with bitter chocolate and dusty, tobaccoey notes. There is plenty of tannic structure here but the wine manages to stay light on its feet thanks to moderate alcohol and good acidity. Half of the grapes were wholecluster fermented which adds a bit of peppery complexity.
