2022 Martha Stoumen 'Benchlands' Red Blend

Aromas of wild forest berries, red plum, and pomegranate integrate with savory notes of cedar, cinnamon, and a hint of spearmint. The palate is medium-bodied and exceptionally zesty, featuring a bright core of red fruit and a texture reminiscent of fine black tea. It displays a balanced, round mouthfeel with mild tannins and a refreshing acidity that leads to a dry finish marked by a subtle saline quality and mandarin orange peel.

Winemaker Martha Stoumen utilizes a unique field blend of 53% Nero d'Avola, 26% Valdiguié, 16% Petite Sirah, 3% Colombard, and 2% Carignan. In the cellar, the Nero d'Avola and Petite Sirah are fermented separately in small batches to manage their specific tannin structures. Notably, the Carignan and Valdiguié are co-fermented with the white Colombard grapes (red and white grapes together) to enhance the wine's aromatic lift and "buoyant" profile. The components are aged in neutral oak barriques for 18 months before being bottled unfined and lightly filtered.

The fruit is grown on several uplifted "benchland" sites in Mendocino County, including the Bricarelli Ranch in Ukiah, Ricetti Vineyard in Redwood Valley, and Venturi Vineyard in Calpella. These sites are defined by their well-drained gravelly loam soils and historical significance, with some vines dating back to 1948. All vineyards are dry-farmed and managed according to organic principles, honoring the Italian immigrants who originally planted these Mediterranean varieties on the less fertile hillsides while reserving the valley floors for food crops.