Picpoul Blanc 2023

TASTING NOTES

The racing acidity on this year’s Picpoul carries lemon meringue, citrus blossom, apricot, fresh lemon, plush peach, pineapple core, and wet river rock all the way to the finish line. If you get Sprite on the nose, you’re not alone. We offer one of the few bottlings in the U.S. of this unique wine. Literally translating to “lip stinger” this high acid varietal is perfect with oysters, mussels, shellfish, Thai foods, anything with cilantro, tuna, ceviche and salads.

VINEYARD NOTES

We now have 3 acres of Picpoul Blanc at our estate vineyard. Located in the Mokelumne River-Lodi AVA, our clones are Tablas Creek cuttings from the famed Chateau de Beaucastel in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC. Our climate is similar to that of the Southern Rhone, with cool nighttime Delta breezes that retain Picpoul’s high inherent acidity while providing an excellent balance of fruit. 2023 was a stunner. A cool, wet vintage provided optimal growing conditions with physiological ripeness occurring at lower Brix and perfect chemistry at harvest.

WINEMAKER NOTES

Everything is hand-picked, hand-sorted, and whole cluster pressed. We harvest early in the morning to capture vital acidity that provides vibrancy to the wine. The juice is fermented cool in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve pure fruit expressions. Sur lie aging in tank until bottling lends texture to this acid driven varietal.

GOLD Medal – 90 pts

2024 Los Angeles International Wine Competition