2015 Trail Marker Rosé of Grenache, Eagle Point Ranch Vineyard

Price: $18 
Region: Mendocino < California
Grapes: 100% Grenache
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: 1800 feet altitude, certified organic, decomposed sandstone soil with veins of red loam, manual pruning to keep yields low, bottled unfiltered.
Winemaker: Drew Huffine

Drew Huffine never intended to make his career in wine, but after getting the bug early while in college at UCSB, he eventually succumbed. Of course, these things never truly happen in a vacuum. It took the urging of a friend to get him up north working harvests, which led to winemaking positions at several prominent wineries, including Kosta Browne. The final nudge came from his wife, who convinced him they should start their own label. With connections throughout California from his previous jobs, Drew was able to source high quality fruit immediately – including the famed Eaglepoint Ranch in Mendocino. This certified organic vineyard’s 1800-foot elevation keeps the temperatures several degrees colder than the valley floor and the red loam in the soil is perfectly suited to Rhône varieties like Grenache Noir. He calls himself a “purist”, which is evident in this rosé. Strawberry and white peach notes fill out the lean core of this wine, which is unfiltered – it’s all about freshness, crisp acidity, grapefruit and a savory, long finish.