2015 La Clarine Farms ‘Jambalaia Rouge’

Region: Sierra Foothills < California
Grapes: Mourvedre, Grenache, Marsanne, and a splash of Fiano (1%)
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic farming, volcanic and loam soil, foot trod, whole cluster pressed, 5-7 days of maceration, just 20ppm SO2 added at bottling.
Winemaker: Hank Beckmeyer

This blend of Rhone varietals from one of the best new California producers, La Clarine Farms, is so summery and spry! The nose is bursting with strawberry and rhubarb, while the juicy red and blue fruit and earthy, lingering plum reminds you of a big California red (minus the sloppy parts of a big California red). Trust me, it’s best if you throw it in the fridge for a bit (30 minutes is perfect), then it becomes completely chuggable, which is perfectly ok since this wine has a screw top and clocks in at just 11.7%. Like it was meant for chugging, on a warm day, with some BBQ or spicy food (Jambalaya maybe?) Hank is a cool dude who makes a range of fantastic, well-priced CA wines.  I love that he posts his farming and winemaking philosophy front and center on his website: http://laclarinefarm.com/La_Clarine_Farm/Welcome.html.  You’ll definitely see more of him and his wines at Rock Juice.