2021 Jolie Laide Gamay, Sonoma County, California (750ml)   

Scott Schultz is among a still small but increasing number of producers in California that are treating Gamay with the respect it deserves.

From the producer: Grown at high elevation in the beautiful red granitic soils of the Sierra Foothills. Picked in two separate passes, one early and one a bit later makes for a wine a bit riper and fleshed out than in years passed. The clusters are left whole and started by carbonic maceration, which lends its distinctive high tone appeal, then eventually crushed by foot and finished whole cluster for skin contact and extraction. Pressed to neutral barrique for a short 6 month elevage and bottled young to preserve delicate aromatics. Light, fresh and utterly charming. Wild strawberry and summer herbs with cranberry tartness.