2020 GAMAY NOIR, ELDORADO

TBD

The lesser-known Gamay Noir has never been widely planted here in California until it found a home in the decomposed granite soils in the El Dorado AVA. These soils resemble where Gamay is more notably grown in France’s Beaujolais region. Barsotti Ranch Gamay Noir is grown just below 3,000 feet giving this this wine a vibrant, juicy character. Bright ruby color with strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate on the palate. A little bit of earth, medium tannins and good acidity. A great alternative to Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir can be fun, lively, and also serious.

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2020 SPARKLING CHENIN BLANC, BROSSEAU VINEYARD, CHALONE

TBD Wines

The Chalone appellation is unique in that volcanic limestone soil interspersed with decomposed granite deposits resemble Burgundian soils in France. The vineyard sits 1800 feet above the Salinas Valley Floor on a bench on the west side of the Gavilan Mountains.  It receives less than 10 inches of rain annually and has dramatic temperature variations, night to daytime highs. The Brosseau family transitioned to organic farming in 2006 and have been Certified Organic for 10 years. Wines of this region have distinct minerality and great aging potential.

In the glass, medium light yellow, straw color with very nice effervescence. On the nose the aroma of
brioche and citrus. On the palate the wine is light, crisp and clean with citrus undertones. Think lemon
meringue pie. A hint of vanilla, honeysuckle, beeswax. This sparkling wine’s bright acidity offers
versatility in pairing with foods…a great aperitif with light hors d’oeuvres and it would pair nicely with
light seafood or cutlet main course. A nice wine for Saturday afternoon just as it is…served chilled isn’t a
bad idea either.

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2021 CHENIN BLANC, CAPIAUX ESTATE, OAK KNOLL

TBD Wines

This is the inaugural vintage from our teeny estate vineyard here in the Oak Knoll that is roughly one acre. Oak Knoll soil is known as Pleasanton Loam with very little rock, more in the silt loam category and sits at about 100 feet above sea level. The vines were planted in 2019 with rows planted on tight 4’ x 4’ spacing with slightly southwest row orientation to maximize sun exposure.

Light yellow to medium straw color with a slight green hue.  On the approach, green apple, candle wax, light vanilla, pineapple and butterscotch. A rich mouthfeel with lemon meringue, orange creamsicle and flavors of marshmallow cream, mango, kiwi and papaya all contribute to a long silky finish.

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2021 CHARDONNAY, BROSSEAU VINEYARD,
CHALONE

TBD Wines

The Chalone appellation is unique in that volcanic limestone soil interspersed with decomposed granite deposits resemble Burgundian soils in France. The vineyard sits 1800 feet above the Salinas Valley Floor on a bench on the west side of the Gavilan Mountains.  It receives less than 10 inches of rain annually and has dramatic temperature variations, night to daytime highs. The Brosseau family transitioned to organic farming in 2006 and have been Certified Organic for 10 years. Wines of this region have distinct minerality and great aging potential.

Light golden in color with a brilliant appearance. Tropical flavors plus kiwi, cantaloupe and melon deliver rich mouthfeel without being heavy. The Louis Latour barrels compliment the wine by contribute appealing aromas of beeswax, marshmallow cream, churned butter and vanilla. This wine should age nicely.

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2021 CHENIN BLANC, OLD VINE - HENRY'S RANCH VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY

TBD Wines

This was a great find, over 60-year-old Chenin Blanc vines planted in Pope Valley! Chenin Blanc in Napa used to be widely planted several decades ago but a miniscule 14 acres remain. We hand harvested and whole cluster pressed the juice into a small 60-gallon sandstone vessel where natural fermentation occurred in cool cellar temperatures.

Light straw color offering honey, jasmine, lychee fruit and vanilla aromas. Flavors toward tropical lychee fruit, orange blossom and melon counterbalanced with gooseberry and orange zest.  Creamy texture yet mouthwatering briney finish offers a nice balance of acid and fruit in this Chenin Blanc.

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2021 CHENIN BLANC, BROSSEAU VINEYARD,
CHALONE

TBD Wines

The Chalone appellation is unique in that volcanic limestone soil interspersed with decomposed granite deposits resemble Burgundian soils in France. The vineyard sits 1800 feet above the Salinas Valley Floor on a bench on the west side of the Gavilan Mountains.  It receives less than 10 inches of rain annually and has dramatic temperature variations, night to daytime highs. The Brosseau family transitioned to organic farming in 2006 and have been Certified Organic for 10 years. Wines of this region have distinct minerality and great aging potential.

Light yellow, straw colored and brilliant in appearance. A nose of Asian pear, Granny Smith apple and sweet citrus leads into bright acidity on the palate. Rich flavors of melon and peach pair with crisp apple and tangerine zest creating perfect balance and a long finish. Aging sur lie gives this wine a richness it would otherwise not have.

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