Two Shepherds, Wiley 2021, Carbonic Carignan, Trimble Vineyard, Mendocino, CA

This light chillable red from Two Shepherds is rightfully named after the homestead’s kitten, Wiley. It’s bright and fresh with juicy plum and cherry notes, followed by nice acidity and subtle tannins.

COUNTRY: United State of America (USA)

STATE: CA

APPELLATION (AVA): Mendocino County

REGION: 

SUBREGION:

VINEYARD: Trimble Vineyards (65 y/o vines)

VINTAGE: 2021

GRAPES: 100% Carignan

SOIL: Alluvial

PRACTICE: Organic, vegan, low intervention, dry-farmed

VINIFICATION: Carbonic spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, unfined & unfiltered, minimal sulphites at bottling

STYLE: Still

COLOR: Intense purple

BODY: Light (1-2)

TASTE: Dry

PRIMARY AROMAS: Similar to palate, juicy plum & red berries

FLAVOR: Dark plum, black cherry, vibrant acidity, herbs & crushed flowers

FORMAT: 750 ml

ALCOHOL: 12.5%

SERVICE AND SUGGESTION: Serve slightly chilled with picnic fare or BBQ, or enjoy on its own

ABOUT THE PRODUCER: 
“While our total production is small (~4,000 cases, 48,000 bottles,) our offerings are vast. Nicknamed ‘insane master of small lots’, William crafts about 15 different wines each vintage. All our wines are fermented with native yeast, aged on the lees in neutral barrels, minimally racked with no fining, filtration, or additions other than a small amount of Sulfur. We focus on uncommon varietals, cool climate or old vine plantings, often from the only few acres in California.”

ABOUT THE VINEYARD: 
Small, family owned and farmed organic vineyard, dry-farmed 65-year old 5-acre block of Carignane, and 20 year old 6-acre block of Cab Sauv.