As a good friend once said, "I've never been so horny for spring before." A bit crude perhaps but it does sum up the end to this long winter succinctly. Lazy afternoons with sunshine and wine lie ahead, and I couldn't be giddier. To celebrate, the Spring Sippy Club shipments will begin shipping Spring Eve, more on that below. But, first some words from Dylan...
Hello Friends! Spring is officially here on Wednesday, and I for one am grateful to see the sunshine back after an abundance of winter rains in these parts. We've been busy pruning in the vineyards over the past few days, and I don't believe I have ever seen the ground so soft and saturated in March before. Wild mustard is blooming everywhere, and the county is awash in green and gold. Water brings life, and the biology in the soil is getting a boost from the surplus. What does this mean for the 2019 crop? It means readily available nutrients are finding their way to the root systems of our vines and when the time comes for fermentation all the necessary ingredients will be there for healthy and dynamic fermentations. Yum!
Usually, this is a relatively quiet time of year in the cellar, but not for 2019. With a record-breaking harvest last year the winery has been pretty much non stop busy with extra bottlings. We've already bottled and begun riddling the 2018 Brut Rosé of Tempranillo, early indications suggest it may be the best bubbly we've made yet.
In addition to a new vintage of Sparkling coming out in a few months, we are also excited to bring out some new 2018 players into the line-up. We're bottling three of the new kids in April; Sangiovese from Dry Creek (25 cases made) Carignan from Mendocino (36 cases), and a really beautiful Syrah-Viognier experiment that boggles the mind with its layers and intensity.
Slated for summer bottlings are a Grenache from Luc's vineyard (25 cases), Grenache from Ceja vineyard (36 cases) and Graciano from Luc's vineyard (50 cases) to round out the field. Rumor has it, there may even be a fall release of the first-ever bottling of our single barrel 2009 Tawny Port project to celebrate its 10th year in the barrel! Can't wait to share them all with you! Cheers, Dylan
SPRING SIPPY CLUB
We are releasing two single barrel productions from Luc's Vineyard, our 2017 Grenache (inaugural release) and 2016 Syrah. We've picked up some great early press and reviews on both, so we're getting them out to you first before they all disappear.
SHELDON 2017 GRENACHE Luc's Vineyard | Fountaingrove AVA 36 cases captured into bottle. 13.5% Alc. | pH 3.58 | TA .62 LIMITED Production.
92 Points – Wine Enthusiast
The nose leads off with a beguiling mix of black raspberry, tart cherry, tea rose and fresh cedar. Palate weight is medium, possessing a touch of rich forest floor that pops in contrast with floral tones and bright acidity.
SHELDON 2016 SYRAH
Luc's Vineyard | Fountaingrove AVA
25 cases captured into bottle.
12.2% Alc.
VERY LIMITED production.
92 Points – Grape Live
“The wonderfully crisp and finessed Sheldon Syrah... is unbelievably dreamy on the palate with a mind-blowing low 12.2% natural alcohol, highlighting the graceful nature of this wine and Dylan Sheldon’s unwavering belief in delicacy and lightness, while still making a wine that has ripeness and layers.”
If you would like to customize your SIPPY CLUB shipment go to www.sheldonwines.com and create your own shipment before March 20th, or contact Dylan at dylan@sheldonwines.com. If you haven't received your online SIPPY CODE or need us to resend it contact Tobe at tobesheldon@gmail.com.
May love and laughter fill your days, the sun shine warm upon your face, and may your wine glass always full. ~ Tobe and Dylan ~ Happy St. Paddy's Day!