Our one diversion from the world of Rhone varieties, Cuvee Andie, continues to be a favorite on our wine portfolio. A nod back to Drew's days working for Larry Turley and Karl Wicka at Turley Wine Cellars, Zinfandel is a grape with longstanding tradition in California. And with time comes the ability to trial and error, innovate, and create a unique style of wine not found anywhere else in the world. With our Rhone varieties we are in a way trying to emulate what others have been doing in the South of France for centuries. But with Zinfandel, this grape in this place is an origin story to a style completely unto itself.

The aromatics lift out of the glass with typical jams of the Pluot persuasion and decadent Olallieberry pie, but are easily counterbalanced by a cedar woodiness, charcoal dust, and savory burnt ends. A more perfumed side of lavender blossom, rosemary, and thyme add an ethereal edge to an otherwise opulent nose. The wine hits the palate soft and smooth with immediate and building velvety tannins I can only describe as “blue velvet” given it is rife with notes of blueberry jam and elderberry along with a sticky anise that balances an otherwise bright and concentrated core of acidity. Finishes smooth and long with carried notes of buttered toast.