Place: Santa Ynez County — California, USA

Variety: Carignan

Farming: Sustainable

Words from the winemakers, Eric and Lyle

"We were inspired by the cult producer, Maxime Magnon, and Beaujolais’ Gang of Four in Morgon, so sought whole-cluster carignan made with partial carbonic maceration, delivering a juicy-fruited, crushable red that is best served chilled or at cellar temperature. 

Our 2021 version was sourced from an amazing site in Santa Ynez called Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, located in the Happy Canyon AVA, and sheltered by the marine winds on the eastern fringe of the Santa Rita Hills.

Planted to mostly Bordeaux varieties, there are a few rows of Carignan at TTT that produce bunches just half the size of others in the area.

Vinified separately in whole bunches and partial carbonic deliciousness, it was bottled after five months in neutral French oak, without fining or filtration.

We are excited to find 2021 to be our best Carignan yet, an easy-drinking, light-bodied, fresh red that's loaded with flavours of plum, cranberry, baking spices, and sandalwood. It has a pronounced umami salinity from the nearby ocean air, and a luminosity from the 2021 vintage that makes it a perfect match for saucisson, charcuterie, and of course the ubiquitous burger or pizza night!"