2014 Ode to Lulu Rose
California

Like the last few years, this rosé comes from vines planted prior to 1940 (or perhaps we should say prior to FDR’s third term). Picked specifically for rosé, at lower potential alcohol and whole-cluster pressed, this pale and perfumed rosé belies its lighter color and has plenty of density. It bears a strong resemblance to the 2010 and 2011, both of which are still showing nicely now. The backbone of the wine is the ancient Mourvedre—with all of its coniferous perfume and spice—with dashes of Cemetary Vineyard Carignane for salty crunch and Evangelho for red-fruited crackle.

2014 Judge Ranch Sauvignon Blanc
Bennett Valley

I think this is my favorite Sauvignon Blanc we have made since the original 2009 version from Kick Ranch. The vineyard is so rocky that Joe and Gail Judge were forced to remove 1000 tons of stone before creating adequate soil for vines. This greatly devigorates the overly enterprising Sauvignon Blanc vines and results in fragrant wines of solidly wrought temper. The wine was fermented entirely in the cigare barrels made famous by Didier Dagueneau, coopered to our specifications (aka, tight grain and very light toast) for us by our friends at Tonnellerie Atelier. Exotic and ambrosial this wine captures what I love best about good Sauvignon Blanc—great aromatic complexity paired with nice texturing.