Special Release Sonoma Coast Mencía
2020

Winemaker’s Notes

Planted in a favored position at the very top of the slope of our MacIntyre Estate, this wonderful hyper-local Iberian grape variety produces an exciting and unique expression of medium-bodied, broadly textured red wine. Our Mencía seems to have taken beautifully to the local free-draining Goldridge sandy soils and coastal climate and evokes lifted floral elements of Pinot Noir with darker spicy tones of Syrah, and even a wild brambly note of Zinfandel in the mix.

This experimental micro-planting is close to our winegrowing hearts and allows us to flex our creative/experimental muscles each year and take our industry forward. For the first time, this 100% free-run wine is aged exclusively in our Tuscan clay amphorae which provide an additional layer of freshness and purity.

Bright and juicy blue and purple fruit aromas—plums, blueberries, and currants. Pine sap, pollen, dried rose petal, and mint notes add complexity. Deep fruit entry, pure and silky. Texture develops with air as the wine expands and fans out to a long, purple-fruited finish with cocoa nib flavors and mouthcoating soft granular tannins. Drink between late-2022 and 2030.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner