Spring 2021 New Releases
February 22, 2021
Our Spring Release is now live! It includes two of our favorite red wines and of course our new Rosé that will be ready to greet those first warm days of Spring.
We’re excited for the release of our 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley—always one of our personal favorites in the line-up.
This release also marks the triumphant return of our 2019 Zinfandel from The Poor Ranch in Mendocino County. Our inaugural vintage in 2017 was the quickest we have ever seen a wine sell out. And with all of the delicious goodness packed into the 2019, we don’t expect this latest release to last long.
And finally, our 2020 Rosé of Carignane is following in the footsteps of the previous three vintages — all of which have scored 90 points from Wine Spectator.
Continue below to read all about the new wines for Spring 2021:
2019 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($42)
This is our 10th vintage of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Our 2019 version is a blend of four vineyards that span this world-renowned Pinot Noir appellation. The sites represent the different microclimates of the AVA and showcase the diversity of this unique growing region. The clonal makeup of the final blend includes Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777.
The 2019 vintage will be remembered for ideal growing conditions through summer and into harvest. After a bumper crop in 2018, the 2019 yields were more normal. We had cool weather at harvest allowing us to hang fruit for optimal flavor development without excessive ripeness.
Our 2019 version of this wine highlights the fruit intensity found in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The black cherry, raspberry and baking spice aromatics hint at the fruit and spice interplay that dances on the palate. The silky texture opens up to flavors of strawberry preserves, cranberry and notes of savory fresh herbs. Pair with sage-roasted chicken and potatoes or herby lobster tagliatelle.
2019 Zinfandel The Poor Ranch Mendocino ($35)
The Poor Ranch is an organically farmed vineyard located in the foothills east of the town of Hopland in Mendocino County. Civil War veteran John Samuel Poor established the vineyard in the late 1800s and it is now farmed today by the fourth generation of the family. We made Zinfandel from the Poor Ranch for the first time in 2017 from a parcel known as the Gypsy block. This block was planted in 1987 from heirloom budwood on St. George rootstock. At a little under two acres, the Gypsy block is perched on a bluff overlooking the Sanel Valley some 1,000 feet below. As soon as we laid eyes on the Gypsy block, we knew we had found the Zinfandel we always wanted to make.
The 2019 vintage was our third year at Poor Ranch and by far the best hand we have been dealt. We had an ideal growing season and moderate weather leading into harvest. No harvest season heat spikes made for perfect picking conditions.
The fruit sings with fresh strawberries and raspberries. More nimble than jammy, the wine carries itself gently across the palate, full-flavored but fresh. Aromatics of rhubarb and subtle herb spice open up to more fruit–ripe berry compote and an outrageous deliciousness that is sure to please. When you’re ready to fire up the grill, pull the cork on this wine. It’ll be the perfect pairing for dry-rubbed Flank Steak or Barbacoa Tacos.
2020 Rosé of Carignane Mendocino County ($22)
The 2020 vintage was the most challenging year ever for California grape growers and winemakers. With the pandemic and numerous wildfires across the state during harvest season, nothing was easy. Thankfully, the Ukiah Valley was not impacted by smoke like other areas on the North Coast and the nature of Rosé winemaking significantly lessens risk of smoke taint.
After testing and careful handling in the winery we are happy to find that our 2020 Rosé is just as vibrant, fruity and fresh as previous vintages. It showcases the consistent complexity we have come to expect from our Carignane Rosé.
The wine jumps out of the glass with aromas of strawberries and nectarine. The wine’s acidity pops on the entry and crunchy minerality makes itself known across the palate. Flavors of honey crisp apple, fresh basil and watermelon stand out amidst this vibrant and pretty wine. This easy-drinking wine will be the perfect pairing for a snack of salt and pepper seasoned popcorn. Looking for something more substantial? Try with any soft cheeses, like Chèvre, smeared on a baguette and topped with prosciutto.