Catch and Release Wines - "BLOCK PARTY" California 2023 750ml (12% abv)

only 675 cases produced of this very darkly colored amber wine (almost more the color of a rose due to the pink skinned Pinot Gris)

The Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer come from McFadden Farm in Potter Valley. The farm has been organic since its inception in 1970, and its proprietor, Guinness McFadden still oversees the day to day operations. The Riesling is coming from a site in the Dry Creek Valley that sits just above lake Sonoma. The vineyards are overflowing with wildlife, and one must keep their head on a swivel for the resident family of black bears.

Deeply tropical and inherently aromatic, the wine holds all the niceties of skin maceration without losing freshness. Tension is brought about by ripeness and lift on the palate without losing the fundamental operative of being delicious. The swiss army knife of skin contact wines.

region: California, USA

varietal: 30% Riesling, 50% Pinot Gris, 20% Gewurztraminer

style: skin contact / orange

farming/cellar: The Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer were de-stemmed and fermented on the skins for 15 days, then pressed and finished both primary and secondary fermentation in neutral French oak. The Riesling came in five weeks later with a kiss of noble rot, and it went direct to press, and was fermented in stainless steel before being moved to neutral oak for secondary fermentation. Both lots were aged sur lie and only racked once for blending/bottling. 100% native yeast and the only addition was S02. unfined, unfiltered

pairing: Baja tacos & mango ceviche.