These Gamay Noir vines, traditionally found in the granite-dominated soils of the Beaujolais region of central France, sink their roots deep into the earth below the Santa Lucia Highlands, where they find a familiar composition of decomposed granite. This soil is an exceptionally rare find in coastal California; the granite was delivered here when part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range was sheared off and sent northward by the San Andreas Fault activity and forms what is today’s Sierra de Salinas.
Though credit must be given to this beautifully expressive variety and the granite-laden soils, it is the winemaking techniques that have truly brought the wine to life. As a nod to traditional Beaujolais Cru wines, this Gamay noir was fermented with 60% whole clusters in open-top tanks to create a semi- carbonic environment. To add to the complexity of the wine (and lending a touch of local history), a portion of the fruit was fermented in a vintage California redwood tank. The 100% native yeast fermentation featured a combination of punch downs and pump overs, allowing for gentle extraction of aroma and flavor. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to a rare and special selection of neutral French oak barrels, where it aged beautifully for 8 months prior to being bottling unfined and unfiltered.
The 2023 Lucy Gamay Noir is beautiful, supple and vibrant. In the glass, the wine reveals almost an iridescent purple hue. For wine geeks, the bright color comes partly from lower pH of the wine (specifically, how anthocyanin color is influenced by pH). Aromas of marionberry, ripe pomegranate, red cherry and cranberry mix with subtle spice and verbena notes. On the palate, vibrant acidity enhances juicy layers of fruit and more mouthwatering freshness. It is the unmistakenable evidence of the granite soil that sets this wine apart. Gamay Noir is at home in granite, and this brings mineral-driven undertones to the graceful palate structure. Low in tannins but high in acidity, this wine is born to pair with food. Serve cellar temp or chilled.
Though credit must be given to this beautifully expressive variety and the granite-laden soils, it is the winemaking techniques that have truly brought the wine to life. As a nod to traditional Beaujolais Cru wines, this Gamay noir was fermented with 60% whole clusters in open-top tanks to create a semi- carbonic environment. To add to the complexity of the wine (and lending a touch of local history), a portion of the fruit was fermented in a vintage California redwood tank. The 100% native yeast fermentation featured a combination of punch downs and pump overs, allowing for gentle extraction of aroma and flavor. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to a rare and special selection of neutral French oak barrels, where it aged beautifully for 8 months prior to being bottling unfined and unfiltered.
The 2023 Lucy Gamay Noir is beautiful, supple and vibrant. In the glass, the wine reveals almost an iridescent purple hue. For wine geeks, the bright color comes partly from lower pH of the wine (specifically, how anthocyanin color is influenced by pH). Aromas of marionberry, ripe pomegranate, red cherry and cranberry mix with subtle spice and verbena notes. On the palate, vibrant acidity enhances juicy layers of fruit and more mouthwatering freshness. It is the unmistakenable evidence of the granite soil that sets this wine apart. Gamay Noir is at home in granite, and this brings mineral-driven undertones to the graceful palate structure. Low in tannins but high in acidity, this wine is born to pair with food. Serve cellar temp or chilled.
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