Community Tasting Notes 1

• The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 94 points

  July 15, 2020 - Retail $35. There are few places in this country that give me goosebumps merely upon hearing the name; Bechthold Vineyard is one of them (the label on this wine has the vineyard spelled incorrectly--they might want to clean that up a bit). Planted in 1886 (!), it is believed to be the oldest Cinsault vineyard on the planet. It is ungrafted (thanks to the sandy soils--the pesky phylloxera louse does not like the beach) and dry-farmed by Phillips Farms (Michael-David Winery--they acquired exclusive farming rights to the vineyard several years ago from the Bechthold family). Even as recently as a decade ago, the fruit was unwanted and the vines were almost ripped out and replaced with (gasp) Zinfandel. The history is far too involved for a tasting note, but suffice it to say that Wanda Woock Bechthold (part-owner), none other than Randall Grahm, and the incredible people at Michael-David prevented it from being ripped out. Thank goodness. Now, several winemakers source from the vineyard including Mike McCay, who makes this gorgeous, nearly translucent red with aromas of cranberry, plum, allspice, clove, and a hint of vanilla. Whoa. The palate is likely more impressive with luscious fruit, searing acidity, and plenty of depth. This is far from muscular, but with a bit of time and patience, it develops into a delicate powerhouse. Bravo. thedrunkencyclist.com

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Wine Definition

• Vintage 2016
• Type Red
• Producer McCay Cellars
• Varietal Cinsault
• Designation n/a
• Vineyard Bechthold Vineyard
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Central Valley
• Appellation Lodi

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
• In Cellars 7 (41%)
• Consumed 10 (59%)

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