Two Shepherds Old Vine Carignan 2022

Two Shepherds describes this as their "Netflix binge wine," as it pairs with all genres and people (aka it's a holiday table crowd-pleaser). Carignan, although rare in California at only 1% of red wine acres, is a perfect grape for the Mediterranean climate. Two Shepards worked with Trimble Vineyards, second genearation organic farmers of this special vineyard with 80-year-old vines, head trained, dry-farmed and certified organic. The grapes are fermented 50% whole cluster, giving a carbonic-esque quality to the aromatics and softer structure, followed by ten months of aging in old, neutral French oak. Elegant and aromatic, juicy and easy drinking, perhaps more akin to Cru Beaujolais than Carignan. Only 325 cases produced.

Two Shepherds focuses on Rhône and rare, uncommon varieties, often from the only few acres available in California. While their total production is small, the offerings are vast. Nicknamed “insane master of small lots,” winemaker William Allen crafts abotu 15 different wines each vintage, including some that are only 1-2 barrels. Their old-world style, free from manipulation, allows for the ture expression of the variety, vintage and vineyard.