Jolie-Laide Fall Release

Jolie-Laide Fall Release Live. In for a half case, I find these to be good early drinkers (for me) with great vineyard sources.

2018

TROUSSEAU GRIS
FANNUCHI WOOD ROAD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

These rare, near extinct vines produce unique yet fascinating fruit. In turn, the wines made from them are equally beguiling. Some skin contact lends an incandescent, roseate hue, breadth of palate and subtle tannin. Not dictated by recipe, the Trousseau Gris is in constant evolution, guided only by the idiosyncrasies of the vintage and the 2018 (I know everyone says this) might be the best one yet. A veritable high wire act; light and pretty, wildly floral yet savory with a visceral depth. It may not fit into a conventional category, making it seem a bit unfamiliar at first but continues to surprise and delight. An inebriating blend of wild pomelo, summer melon, stone fruit, white tea and sweet earth all weave with finessed length and elegant palate presence.



2018

TROUSSEAU NOIR, POULSARD, GAMAY, VALDIGUIÉ
CALIFORNIA

Likely the most “Outré Vin” in the lineup, a vinous Californian pastiche inspired by our reverence of the wines of the French Alps- Trousseau Noir, Poulsard, Gamay Noir, and yes (untraditionally) some old vine Valdiguie as well. An infinitesimal amount of these varieties are planted on these shores, but we are hoping to be a part of the movement shifting that paradigm. Emerging from several risk-taking vineyards dotted abound Northern California this takes a general California wine designation, but be clear, you would not blind this as “California”. Fermented partially carbonic for brightness and all whole cluster adding to the complex spice aromas. Delicate and lean, mineral-driven, tart pomegranate and raspberry scented with incense and tobacco.


2017

GRENACHE
PROVISOR VINEYARD
DRY CREEK VALLEY

Provisor Vineyard is a storybook site just outside the town of Healdsburg. The Provisors organically farm just 3 estate acres and we are wildly excited to be one of the few who gets to share in the fruits of their labors. Tablas Creek clone Grenache revels in the strikingly red gravely clay loam soils and warm days and cool nights of its Dry Creek home. The grapes are all crushed by foot and fermented whole cluster, with nothing more than gentle punchdowns throughout. Pressed to old, neutral French oak barrique for a 10-month elevage, capturing and preserving the delicate and expressive nature. The resulting wine is elegant and graceful; super fresh and bright, high tone wild red raspberry and strawberry fruit ballasted by licorice, cinnamon and spice. Whole cluster stem inclusion adds soft, textural tannin with subtle yet nuanced fall earth tones.


2017

GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE
SHAKE RIDGE VINEYARD
AMADOR COUNTY

Shake Ridge is an undulating and diverse 46-acre vineyard nestled about 1750ft. up in the Sierra foothills, planted, cared for and meticulously farmed by the legendary Ann Kraemer. Each little parcel has a different slope, aspect and soil profile creating many unique microclimates within the same vineyard. We worked closely with Ann to identify specific blocks in which we could capture and express the terroir and totality of this special place in one idiosyncratic wine. All picked together and co-fermented whole cluster, because, the whole is more than the sum. Raspberry scented Grenache, briny olive and peppered Syrah, violety garrigue laden Mourvèdre with citrus flower and lilac perfumed Viognier all coalesce into one ambrosial exultance.


2017

SYRAH
HALCON VINEYARD
YORKVILLE HIGHLANDS

Halcon is an extraordinary, rocky site at 2500 ft in the Yorkville Highlands. High elevation, cold coastal breezes, extreme low vigor soils and dense plantings converge to grow a enigmatic style of Syrah mostly unknown in California. Dramatic conditions constrict the sugar accumulation meaning we pick later but at a lower brix level- preserving natural acidity. The grapes are all crushed by foot and fermented whole cluster, with nothing more than gentle punchdowns throughout. Pressed to old, neutral French oak barrique for a 10-month elevage, capturing and preserving the delicate and expressive nature. Light on its feet, ebulliently perfumed and spiced full of all the things we adore about Syrah- lavender, violet, olive, peppercorn and graphite.

I like this release. Going for a mixed case.

J-L wines are always excellent.

Like last year I will write up tasting notes after the pick up in October. J-L are always “in the zone”

Tom