June 19, 2015 - Midsummer eve grilled meats and wine (home): excellent nose, elegant wine. I learn from various sources that they practice natural wine making style and that the cinsault vines are pre-phylloxera from the 1880s. Very different from mainstream modern California wines, meaning colour is less intense and the fruit shines on its own without any new oak steroids. already quite complex. some volatile acids, but it is not in the way of enjoying this wine thoroughly. I am seriously impressed.
March 24, 2014 - pop n pour. some spritz initially, but that blows off to reveal vivid fresh wild strawberries. quite floral, and alive. a tense and up front enjoyable wine that is well done. Very enjoyable.
November 25, 2012 - (13%) 89% Cinsault, 11% Syrah – Bright and crunchy red berry fruit with almost a spritz to the palate. This one is mineral driven and backed by tangy, tarry fruit leading to a finish showing light, sweet tannins. Light and lean (Cru Beaujolais like) yet structured and powerful. A delightful ying and yang. Not for all but firmly up my alley.
Wine Geek Notes: Bottle 284 out of 1,253 (~100 cases), unfined and unfiltered, co-fermented, harvested at 19 brix, made from 127-year-old Cinsault vines
August 18, 2012 - This wine is a lithe and powerful young wine. It has zesty fresh berry flavors, with zingy acidity and a minerality. A bit of fizz on opening that blows off.. Like a Cru Beaujolais from california.. made from Cinsault.. AWESOME. Very refreshing very different and a model of why there are so many possiblities in California, if people want to do something off the beaten track... love it.
March 25, 2012 - 2012 Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting (San Francisco, Fort Mason Festival Pavillion): Red fruit, raisiny plum, and slight floral aromas. Light-bodied with good acidity, and tart cherry, plum flavors. Blend of mourvedre and syrah.
March 25, 2012 - Really enjoyed this. Strawberries, big cherries, lots of white flowers. Great texture, coats the glass, cloudy goodness.
November 20, 2011 - Decanted off some sediment. Cherry color with a touch of blue. Nose is earthy, musty, tarry with floral notes. Light-bodied and a bit simple on the palate, with some cherry flavors and quite firm acidity. Finishes quickly with acid grip and light tannins. This is an unusual wine, low alcohol, with curious flavors & aromas that come from the Natural winemaking. Not complicated, strange, interesting, but for me in the end, not worth re-visiting.
October 4, 2011 - Lovely. Roses, tar, tangy red fruit, orange rind, vibrant and chock-full of acidity. It has a wild tone consistent with its mountain vineyard and 120-year-old vines, and the 88% Cinsault shines through as varietally correct - strawberry, cherry and white pepper, with a wiild flower-and-herbs sensibility. Obviously unoaked and unfiltered. An unusual and delightful wine to drink, though probably not for everyone.