Tasting Notes: With bright acidity, great length, and notes of fresh watermelon and wet stone, this Rosé has lovely balance and suppleness. The old-vine Feliz Creek Vineyard consistently delivers a mineral Carignan Rosé with an ocean salinity that we love. Finishing dry, it is refreshing, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious.
Vineyard: Feliz Creek Vineyard - Hopland, Mendocino County AVA
In a protected, tucked-away pocket of Hopland sits Feliz Creek Vineyard, which is owned by Wendy Fetzer. Comprised of organic, head-trained Carignan vines originally planted in 1908, this is a cooler site in a warm area. Because the vineyard is dry farmed, the vines have developed deep root systems, which result in low yields and allow the fruit to achieve intense, concentrated flavor at low Brix. Feliz Creek Vineyard produces a delicious and restrained expression of Carignan, which we find perfect for Rosé.
Winemaking: Direct to press. Whole-cluster pressed. Fermented with native yeast in stainless steel at cool temperatures to preserve the freshness and aromatics.
Vintage: Following a wet winter, the late budbreak of 2023 led to a long, cool, and dry growing season with good yields and extended hangtime, allowing us to pick precisely when we wanted. Leading to wines of balance and full flavors at lower sugars and restrained alcohol, 2023 is marked as a superior vintage of excellent quality.
Technical Details:
Composition: 100% Carignan
pH: 3.29
TA: 7.5 g/L
Brix at harvest: 21
Alcohol: 13.1%
198 cases produced
Forbes
"A cool-climate wine made from old vines, head-trained and planted in 1908, this shows its maritime influence with hints of saline, streak of acidity and concentrated fruit flavors of strawberry and sour cherry with pops of watermelon. A nice wine for those who want something a little off the beaten path but without the funkiness of a natural wine."
