Reserve Counoise Cuvée Alder Springs 2024

Our Reserve wines carry a tremendous history, backed by 17 years of dedicated production and craftsmanship. Carefully selected from small lots of exceptional barrels, this collection is limited and highly curated. These single-vineyard expressions are sourced from some of the most renowned wine-growing regions in the United States. Each wine highlights the very best of its local terroir, crafted in partnership with distinguished growers who produce outstanding expressions of each grape variety. Aged in French oak barrels, these wines develop remarkable structure, depth, and elegance. With tremendous aging capacity, they are true collectors' must-haves—built to evolve beautifully over time.

Light garnet in color, this fruit forward wine is typical of the Counoise variety.  The nose is dominated by ripe red fruit aromas - strawberry, raspberry and red fleshed plums.  In the mouth, the fruit turns to jam, with a slight caramel edge and notes of brown spice.  Crisp, clean and refreshing, the wine is lighter bodied and fruit-driven, but maintains enough complexity, structure and gentle acidity to avoid being boring.  The finish is reminiscent of toasted marshmallows and strawberry freezer jam.

In the far north of Mendocino County, just twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean, lies Alder Springs Vineyard.  The site is a natural wonder as well as an exceptional vineyard location.  Owner Stuart Bewely is a meticulous grower, focused on the perfect combination of variety, clone, and terroir.  The hilly landscape offers nearly ideal growing conditions: bright sun, cool nights, and phenomenal low-vigor soils.

Hand harvested and fermented in open-top bins to preserve aromatic freshness, we implemented 3% whole cluster to provide a slight increase in texture.  Twice daily punchdowns by hand, with only 13 days on skins to maintain red fruit characteristics.  Aged in French oak barrels for 9 months and racked twice.  Full malolactic fermentation.