Martha Stoumen "Post Flirtation" Red 2022

One of a new generation of female winemakers dedicated to recapturing the patience of winemaking and the terroir of Northern California. "Seduction" is probably a better name for this loveable red that tastes like hibiscus agua fresca with notes of orange peel and juicy pomegranate. A kitchen chameleon, Post Flirtation seems to go with everything. Carignan brings savory flavors while juicy Zinfandel brings sweet spices like clove and cinnamon.

This wine is so joyous and distinctly Californian. Stouwman said she never knew how much she loved Zinfandel until she started working as Chris Brockway’s (Broc Cellars) Assistant Winemaker. When picked before the grape berries begin to shrivel, you get amazing hibiscus, rhubarb, pomegranate, and baking spices from Zin. Like an avocado, the window is small between unripe and overripe, and the Zinfandel vineyards must be watched closely. Carignan, Zin’s less celebrated companion, provides a savory component reminiscent of driving through California chaparral, and, like Ricetti’s, can be incredibly complex with 70 years of vine age. Stouwman says she's not re-inventing the wheel with this classic old vine Zin/Carignan blend, just lightening things up a bit.

The blend includes 62% Zinfandel, 34% Carignan, 3% Pinot Noir and 1% Petite Sirah, each fermented separately and aged in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrique for six months. Certified organic vineyard and dry farmed. 100% native yeast fermentation. Unfined. Lightly filtered before blending and bottling. Sediment expected. 3,623 cases produced.

After eight years apprenticing around the world, Martha set out as a self-funded, first generation winemaker to answer the question, “What does California taste like?” In her hot little corner of Northern California, Mediterranean grapes thrive and healthy vineyards allow her to create joyful balanced wines. Martha's wines are made from unexpected varietals and offer new takes on California classics. She does things the right way even if it's not the easy or cool way. Of the nearly two dozen wines she make every year, blends and flavors change but the desire to share the simple pleasures of natural wine remains the same.