2024 Unturned Stone 'The Rhythm Section' Red Blend

Aromas of red plum, tart cranberry, and dark berries integrate with savory notes of damp earth, black pepper, and a hint of dried leaves. The palate is medium-bodied and exceptionally vibrant, featuring a core of juicy fruit and a supple, approachable texture. It displays a balanced structure with a pleasing acidity and fine-grained tannins that lead to a clean, refreshing finish marked by a touch of Zinfandel spice.

Winemakers Erin Mitchell and Randy Czech utilize a blend of 85% Carignan and 15% Zinfandel. In the cellar, the fruit is harvested from old vines and fermented using native yeasts to maintain the wine's primary energy. The Carignan is fermented whole-cluster with the de-stemmed Zinfandel layered on top, a technique that enhances the wine's aromatic lift and bright fruit profile. It matures in neutral barrels with minimal sulfur, resulting in a pure, low-intervention red that is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The fruit is grown in the Castañon Vineyard and the historic George Ricetti Vineyard within the Redwood Valley of Mendocino County. The site is defined by its deep red loam soils and an elevation of 400 feet above Lake Mendocino. These dry-farmed vineyards benefit from ancient vines planted in the 1960s, which provide natural concentration and a distinct mineral tension. This specific terroir allows the grapes to develop rich flavors while retaining the racy acidity that defines the traditional, cool-climate red blends of Northern California.