Aromas of bright raspberry, pomegranate, and orange peel integrate with savory notes of white pepper and a hint of wild brush. The palate is light-bodied and exceptionally vibrant, featuring a core of juicy red fruit and a crunchy, fluid texture. It displays soft, ethereal tannins and a racy acidity that leads to a clean, refreshing finish marked by a distinct mineral lift.
Winemaker Alex Krause utilizes a multi-varietal field blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the cellar, the fruit undergoes 100% whole-cluster carbonic maceration to emphasize primary fruit and floral aromatics. The wine is fermented using native yeasts and matures in neutral French oak barrels to maintain purity. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with zero sulfur additions, reflecting a low-intervention philosophy focused on energy and transparency.
The fruit is grown in the Hillside Vineyard within the Talmage Bench of Mendocino County. The site is defined by its old vines and red, iron-rich volcanic soils, which provide excellent drainage and structural character. These dry-farmed vineyards benefit from hot days and significant nighttime cooling, a microclimate that allows the various grapes to ripen simultaneously while retaining the high-toned acidity essential for this fresh, chillable style of red.
