Library

A decadent vintage. Pure, deep, and layered with blackberry, white flower accentuated with a potpourri of holiday spices.

January 2022: The Gallica team had a chance to revisit this vintage at our blind retrospective tasting. One of the memorable wines but quieter than our previous tasting. Fourteen years with lots of life ahead. Alpine, balsamic notes, a bit of lavender and rose petal. Concentrated with firm yet velvety tannins. Lavish with a sweet core that persists. Decanting will allow the wine to reveal its potential- sublime! California Certified Organic Farming.

2007 Growing Season | A dry season with about 60% of normal rainfall | A warm spring where everything was early- budbreak and bloom were advanced by nearly two weeks | We were treated to cooler summer temperatures with the exception of a late August heat spike | Berry size was small due to the dry spring with concentration of flavors | A relaxed growing season where harvest arrived early with the majority of fruit picked in mid- September

99 PTS | Wine Advocate | Robert Parker

Admirers of restraint, structure and pleasing freshness will be delighted by this small crop vintage. A blissfully cool summer rewarded us with small clusters rich in color and intensity. Unfurling aromatics, baking spices, bay, and forest floor wrapped in confectionary tannins.

January 2022: The Gallica team had a chance to revisit this vintage at our blind retrospective tasting. A star of the tasting. Black fruit-almost brooding and powerfully built- savory with cocoa and a touch of anis seed. Mandarin rind, peat, even a whiff of fresh mint with more classic descriptions of cedar box and forest floor. This is a food wine which can be enjoyed now yet calls out for more time in the cellar. Shows off the cool season and the fascinating transition of very young to intriguing. California Certified Organic Farming.

2008 Growing Season | Exciting and cool sums up the season | Low rainfall year with spring frost threatening new shoots and dramatic temperature swings during bloom | Challenging farming but a fantastic season for winemakers | Warm summer temperatures in late August in addition to a small crop size accelerated ripening and harvest commenced September 5 fully completed by October 3rd.

The 2009 vintage is one of depth and power. A dry season with cool nights and glorious summer days produced a wine with significant concentration and grip. Small berry size resulted in intense color and layers of enticing flavor signaling a vintage worthy of aging. Lavender , balsamic, dried cranberries, rose petal and black tea jump out of the glass.

January 2022: The Gallica team had a chance to revisit this vintage at our blind retrospective tasting. Forward and inviting. Still quite muscular with suggestions of Asian spice and white soy. Body and textured with layers of cardamom and dried pine needle. Rich and inviting now with years of enjoyment ahead. California Certified Organic Farming.

2009 Growing Season | Simply perfect with nary a concern | Budbreak and bloom were even because of consistent and moderate temperatures all season long | Harvest September 28- October 11

The 2010 vintage is more about nuance, advantageous sites, and attentive farming than grandeur and scale. Growing conditions were cool yet amply long enough for favorable ripeness, rewarding us with sublime balance and the undercurrent of alluring aromatics sometimes lacking in riper years. The wine whispers and represents the graceful side of Cabernet Sauvignon. Layers of juicy and rich Petit Verdot offers the needed backbone for long-term aging.

January 2022: The Gallica team had a chance to revisit this vintage at our blind retrospective tasting. Another beauty that impressed us. Rosemary’s favorite. Elegant and beautifully textured. Impeccably balanced with elements of holiday spice, apple peel, fresh celery, and rose petal. Classic Napa Valley. A wine that can be enjoyed now but further development will be exciting to wait for. California Certified Organic Farming.

2010 Growing Season | With impeccable farming 2010 was an outstanding vintage | One of the coolest seasons overall with notable warm periods in both August and September | Winter rainfall was average in amounts but persisted until May delaying budbreak | Small crop and berry size produced wines with great concentration and acidity.

97 PTS | Decanter

The 2011 Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon bottling is stylish, serious, and aromatically expressive. Tannins are remarkably fine. The elevated Oakville site in the eastern hills performed beautifully, favoring notes of crushed rock, exotic cardamom, and the enticing perfume of oolong tea. The modest addition of Petit Verdot offers its usual signature of fresh flowers and vibrant color.

January 2022: The Gallica team had a chance to revisit this storied vintage at our blind retrospective tasting. A memorable wine of the flight and one of Rosemary’s favorites. This cooler than average vintage continues to impress and build stature over time. Hang on to your magnums! Roses, white pepper and forest floor jump out of the glass. California Certified Organic Farming.

2011 Growing Season | A unique vintage presented numerous farming challenges from budbreak through harvest | One of the coolest seasons in recent memory often contrasted with 2010, 1998, and 1979 | Seasonal rainfall was fairly normal with the majority arriving in March and May often interrupting vineyard activities | All hands on deck in October with judicious field selection and sorting in the winery allowed us to make a compelling wine.

96 PTS | Decanter

If you were in Napa Valley in October of 2012 you could feel giddiness and delight. Often described by winemakers as a carefree season, this is an evocative vintage with grace and aging potential. Aromatically generous, layers of dark cherry, savory dried herbs wrapped in the warmth of subtle oak. The texture is robust and firm calling out for patience.

January 2022: The Gallica team had a chance to revisit this vintage at our blind vertical tasting. Now in the wine’s tenth year, what a beauty this is shaping up to be. Moving from youthful and restrained to an vastly interesting wine. Savory and structured. Cab Franc is a presence at the moment with alfalfa and chaparral. Mandarin peel , plum skin, and layers of blue fruits persist. Ready for enjoyment with decanting but we are excited to watch its future development. California Certified Organic Farming.

2012 Growing Season | An average rainfall year with twelve inches falling in March during budbreak | Slightly below average temperatures throughout the season- a glorious summer | Canopy positioning and leafing with a green fruit drop in the summer balanced out a generous crop | Harvested September 26 - October 2

97 PTS | Decanter

Sitting on a sublime plateau in Oakville’s eastern hills at elevations ranging from 800-1400 feet, our sites are optimally situated for perfect ripening. Two clones of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 18th and October 4th in this remarkable season. A beautiful warm and early spring folded into temperate summer days-an envious season for any farmer. Beautifully proportioned tannins accompany classic right bank attributes and Napa Valley vibrancy. Cabernet Franc was stunning at harvest and it graces the wine with summer berry, rose petal and a gentle hint of Lapsang tea. This is a wine to experience in its youth and set aside for distant occasions. California Certified Organic Farming

98 PTS | Decanter - China

Another year of drought, 2014 follows in a string of superb Napa Valley vintages. We experienced near perfect summer temperatures resulting in wines with muscle yet elegantly proportioned tannins. In contrast to the highly acclaimed 2013 vintage, aromas and flavors are darker with hints of plum skin, dark chocolate, bay leaf, and tobacco. The addition of Cabernet Franc from this majestic Oakville site perfects the energetic tannins and offers whiffs of rose petal and even lavender. Robert Parker describes this bottling as “beautiful fruit purity, integrated acidity, tannin and an elegant long finish. This is another example of Napa Cabernet at its quintessentially most elegant.” 19 months in French oak cooperage. Bottled June 2016. California Certified Organic Vineyard.

2014 Growing Season | One of the driest in recent years often compared to 1976-1977 in Northern California. Vineyard activities started earlier than usual due to mild temperatures and some welcomed rain in March. The entire season was advanced by two weeks and accordingly, we picked estate Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon by September 13th with Oakville Ranch Vineyard lagging by about seven days. The vintage is notable for small berry size and robust tannin. A fairly carefree growing season for farming, lacking spring frosts and threatening harvest rains, the resulting wines show good long-term aging potential for patient collectors.

Precocious and showy, the 2015 has striking similarity to young 2005 wines upon release. Graced with forward fruit, yet with great length and precision, ample pleasure and generosity can be found now with decanting. Great care was employed at harvest to sort and gently handle each cluster before fermentation, all worthwhile to achieve refined and plush tannins so evident in this bottling. Cabernet Sauvignon from this rocky site is alluring and energetic with notes of white chocolate, pomegranate, and forest floor. As in most of the recent drought years, Cabernet Franc has been the imposing architecture of the blend carrying a signature of sweet tobacco, rose petal and dried chrysanthemum. Bottled without fining or filtration. California Certified Organic Vineyard.

2015 Growing Season | A significantly low rainfall year with the majority of precipitation occurring in February and virtually no rain in January. The growing season and budbreak were off to an early start- the result of above average temperatures in March. Overall, the season was challenging in the vineyard due to elevated summer temperatures and low relative humidity with little fog. Great care was taken with canopy management and fruit positioning. The vintage will be remembered for its small crop, substantial tannin, and impressive wine quality.

96 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

Blessed with a panoply of praiseworthy recent vintages, 2016 straddles the line between succulent ripeness and understated elegance. Napa Valley summer days are filled with a repeated pattern of morning fog which gives way to afternoon sunshine and warmth. This is our rendition of Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville Ranch Vineyard-poised to age beautifully – we are thrilled with the results. A bottling composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc, we harvested picturesque clusters within a narrow window starting September 20th through the 27th. Oakville at its most compelling, the tannins are softly round and ethereal with persistent flavor. Dried blueberry, graphite, white chocolate, with a hint of the softest rose petals- telling the story of superb ripening in late summer. Drinking impressively in its youth, we look forward to what this vintage will reveal with time.

2016 Growing Season | Noted as an exceptional quality vintage due to moderate summer temperatures, abundant winter rains and a balanced crop size. Despite some summer heat events, there was ample water available in the soil at just the right times to deliver beautifully full clusters with elegant tannin. Winter rainfall returned to Napa Valley and amounts were nearly identical to the 2012 growing season. Overall, 2016 was a vintage without serious farming challenges and sensational for winemakers.

96+ PTS | Wine Advocate | Robert Parker

96 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

96 PTS | Jeb Dunnuck

The 2017 vintage is a story of resiliency and amazing vineyard attention resulting in one of our finest bottlings. Cool and rainy April days gave way to three warm heat events which advanced ripening and winery preparations. Gallica’s harvest started in August and we picked Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville on September 27th. The 2017 Gallica Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon shares many characteristics with the notable 2015 bottling- warm and sappy, structurally built to age with sweet and fine tannin. Subtle hints of dried sage, blackberry and cocoa powder are evident but the wine leans towards savory, with some black olive, and dried tobacco. Round and supple, this vintage can be appreciated now with the promise of further enjoyment and worthy of bottle aging. Tasted at our blind January 2022 Retrospective Tasting we were impressed by the balance of this yummy wine. California Certified Organic Farming

2017 Growing Season | A demanding vintage where experienced and thoughtful farming paid off | Epic rainfall fell well into April filling creeks, reservoirs, and replenishing the water table | Lush cover crops and early vigorous growth kept us busy and required extra hands and attention to canopy detail | A cool start to the growing season gave way to warm temperatures accelerating harvest dates.

96 PTS | Wine Advocate | Robert Parker

We are considering the 2018 vintage to be one of the most impressive bottling from this remarkable site located in the prestigious Oakville hills. Adorned with both grace and power there is a purity of fruit and mouthwatering finesse. The vineyard signature of dried rose petal is evident punctuated with savory notes of tobacco leaf and subtle redwood. Loaded with vibrancy and excitement, we are saving more space in our library to follow its potential evolution and anticipated future enjoyment. Bijou! California Certified Organic Farming

2018 Growing Season | Noted as an exceptional quality vintage due to moderate summer temperatures with abundant time to fully ripen tannins | Winter rainfall was below desired levels but it arrived in the early spring delaying budbreak and filling the soil profile carrying vine growth through the summer | Nary a serious farming challenge and sensational for making wine thoughtfully at a leisurely pace | Hand-picking before dawn commenced on September 27th and concluded in early October.

95-98 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni
97 PTS | Wine Advocate | Robert Parker

97 PTS | Jeb Dunnuck

Racy and saturated with hints of blackberry pie and forest floor, the 2019 vintage wears the mantle of Napa Valley at its core with the best of Oakville’s high tone personality. Youthful and luminous, we love the bold fruit accentuated by juicy and round tannins. Bright and lovely, It can be admired while young but will enjoy a long life with further cellaring. The concentration of inviting flavors and graceful balance is a direct reflection of a wonderful growing season. California Certified Organic Farming.

2019 Growing Season | Impressive rainfall in May with cool spring temperatures influenced the entire viticultural season with wet fields and gorgeous stands of cover crop carpeting the valley floor and hillsides | Vines responded with ample green growth requiring handwork to sucker and balance each vine before bloom in late May | A stretch of elevated daytime temperatures in August accelerated ripening and challenged earlier harvest projections| We handpicked and received Cabernet Sauvignon on October 4th and Cabernet Franc on the 15th | Overall a fantastic season where we experienced the finest attributes of spring weather resulting in the arrival of fruit in October ideal in both its quality and quantity.

95-98 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

96+ PTS | Jeb Dunnck

Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon is located on our family property in St. Helena. The deep and low fertility Cortina soils are renowned for exceptional quality red wines. Planted in 1990, these fully mature vines produce wines which are elegant and harken back to the structure of Napa Valley red wines notable decades ago. We are thrilled to offer our first estate bottling. So little is made, we reserve these few barrels for auction, and in coveted vintages, to our devoted customers. Update: At a recent tasting of our estate bottlings, the 2015 vintage was the showstopper. Perfectly poised to enjoy now with decanting, the entry is long and graceful nuanced by brown apple peel, wet forest floor, cardamom and hints of dried mandarin peel. Cabernet from this site is always energetic and mouthwatering.

2015 Growing Season | A significantly low rainfall year with the majority of precipitation occurring in February | The growing season and budbreak were off to an early start-the result of warm March temperatures | Overall, summer temperatures were elevated and mornings fairly fog-free | The vintage will be remembered for its small crop, lush tannin, and impressive wine quality | Hand-harvested September 7th

Gallica is located on our family property in St. Helena. The deep and low fertility Cortina soils are renowned for exceptional quality red wines. Planted in 1990, these fully mature Cabernet Sauvignon vines produce wines which are elegant and harken back to the structure of Napa Valley red wines notable decades ago. The 2016 vintage is not to be missed. The entry is long and graceful nuanced by rose petal, cardamom, dried mandarin peel, the tannins are silky and inviting. Cabernet from this site is always energetic and mouthwatering. Bottled without fining or filtration in June 2018. California Certified Organic Farming. 2016 Growing Season | Noted as an exceptional quality vintage due to moderate summer temperatures, abundant winter rains and a balanced crop size. Despite a few brief summer heat events, there was ample water available in the soil at just the right times to deliver beautifully full clusters with mature tannin. Winter rainfall returned to Napa Valley and amounts at Gallica paralleled those of 2012 | Hand-harvested on September 17th.

Gallica is located on our family property in St. Helena off Sulphur Creek. The deep and low fertility Cortina soils are renowned for exceptional quality red wines. We planted the vines in 1990 and these fully mature Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 4 vines now produce wines which are elegant and harken back to the structure of Napa Valley red wines notable decades ago. There is enchantment in the 2018 vintage and the resulting wine really speaks to the site and the characteristics of the season. The entry is long and graceful nuanced by lush forest floor , dried mandarin peel, and chamomile tea. Savory yet wrapped in oodles of fresh berries. Tannins are moderate and polished. Lovely to drink now with decanting but poised to age. CCOF- California Certified Organic Farming

2018 Growing Season | Noted as an exceptional quality vintage due to moderate summer temperatures with plenty of time to fully ripen tannins. Winter rainfall was below desired levels but it arrived in the early spring delaying budbreak and filling the soil profile | Overall 2018 was an outstanding vintage without serious farming challenges and sensational for making wine at a leisurely pace | Hand-harvested on September 25th.

Often overshadowed by its offspring, Cabernet Franc is beguiling. It was evident early on that this dazzling young wine, from one specific block at Oakville Ranch, was worthy of a separate bottling. Always an integral part of our Cabernet Sauvignon blend, selected barrels were nurtured and set aside for this solo release. Finicky Cabernet Franc favors and excels in soil composed of rock and moderate clay which is exactly what this site offers. Planted on a gentle contour aiming south, fruit is protected from late afternoon sun. Picked the last week in September, the wine was aged for nineteen months in larger format cooperage. Adorned with floral notes, the tension between savory and delicacy, is what makes this variety unique and compelling. 111 cases 750 ML bottled without fining or filtration.

2014 Growing Season | One of the driest in recent years often compared to 1976-1977 in Northern California. Vineyard activities started earlier than usual due to mild temperatures and some welcomed rain in March. The entire season was advanced by two weeks and accordingly, we picked estate Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon by September 13th with Oakville Ranch Vineyard lagging by about seven days. The vintage is notable for small berry size and robust tannin. A fairly care free growing season for farming, lacking spring frosts and threatening harvest rains, the resulting wines show good long-term aging potential for patient collectors.

Often overshadowed by its offspring, Cabernet Franc is beguiling. While the 2015 was small in volume, the resulting wine is fresh, yet amply structured. Composed of two clones of Cabernet Franc from Oakville Ranch Vineyard, we have been working with this fruit for a decade now. The varietal is unparalleled on this site. The aromatic descriptions are voluminous but we favor rose petal, pomegranate, tatami straw, and chrysanthemum. Enjoy now with decanting or hang in there for future pleasure. 111 cases 750 ML bottled without any fining or filtration. 2015

Growing Season | A significantly low rainfall year with the majority of precipitation occurring in February and virtually no rain in January. The growing season and budbreak were off to an early start- the result of above average temperatures in March. Overall, the season was challenging in the vineyard due to elevated summer temperatures and low relative humidity with little fog. Great care was taken with canopy management and fruit positioning. The vintage will be remembered for its small crop, substantial tannin, and impressive wine quality.

95 PTS | Wine Advocate | Robert Parker

While Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are often spoken about in the same breath, they could not be more different. We love working with this wonderous varietal from Oakville Ranch Vineyard and the resulting wines. Experience has allowed us a more insightful approach to not only winemaking but matching cooperage type, size, and age to its delicacy. We are blessed with days of ample sunshine and chilling fog in Napa Valley. Our interpretation of Cabernet Franc straddles the divide between understated elegance, herbal undertones, and California’s signature all with the esprit of low intervention winemaking. Our goal is to pick clusters at ideal ripeness, each berry plump and flavorful. 2016 vintage wears the attributes of fresh rose petals, red plum skin, chaparral, and even a whiff of dried mint. Expect moderate tannins, sweet and refined, with aspects of black tea and sea salt. Poised for a long life yet deliciously ready to drink with decanting. Bottled without fining or filtration in June 2018. California Certified Organic Farming.

2016 Growing Season | Noted as an exceptional quality vintage due to moderate summer temperatures, abundant winter rains and a balanced crop size. Despite some summer heat events, there was ample water available in the soil at just the right times to deliver beautifully full clusters with elegant tannin. Winter rainfall returned to Napa Valley and amounts were nearly identical to the 2012 growing season. Overall, 2016 was a vintage without serious farming challenges and sensational for winemakers.

The 2017 Cabernet Franc is from a south facing gently contoured slope in the eastern Oakville hills. Cabernet Franc grown on alluvial soil generally wants to produce a generous crop but not so in stingy hillside gravel and clay. Always low yielding, the wines are wondrously aromatic yet gently tannic with power. Experience has allowed us a more insightful approach to not only winemaking but matching cooperage type, size, and age to its delicacy. The vintage presented us with warm days with little fog in the hills above the valley floor. Our interpretation of Cabernet Franc straddles the divide between understated elegance, herbal undertones, and California’s signature all with the esprit of low intervention winemaking. Our goal is to pick clusters at ideal ripeness, each berry plump and flavorful. 2017 vintage has a kaleidoscope of rose petals, heady blood orange, savory oregano, and a hint of buttermint candy. Picked September 27th and 30th. Bottled without fining or filtration in June 2019. California Certified Organic Farming

We were fortunate enough to purchase a small vineyard from our neighbors, the St. George family, where heritage vine Petite Sirah had been lovingly farmed for decades. In traditional fashion, blending was done in the field, so there is an occasional Carignane, Durif, or Alicante vine scattered throughout. Located off Sulphur Creek on low fertility Cortina soils, productivity on these sixty year old vines will never begin to equal farming effort. We affectionately say that every vine counts but few winemakers have the opportunity to work with vines of this parentage and age. The 2013 is a sublime vintage layered with wild strawberry, dried sage, and saddle leather. The vines that have become so comfortable on this rocky site, their attributes are unique and the resulting wine mouthwatering. CCOF certified organic.

94 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

From our small estate planting of handsomely old vines, Petite Sirah ripens early on our Cortina well-drained soils. Petite is a misnomer for these muscular and confounding wines. Tannins are thick yet svelte with loads of aging potential. Desert sage, black licorice, peat, and plum skin fill the glass. Unique in Napa Valley, Petite Sirah represents about 2% of total acreage. We relish the opportunity to farm and lavish attention on these amazing vines. 66 cases 750 ML + magnums bottled unfined and unfiltered.

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2014 Growing Season | One of the driest in recent years often compared to 1976-1977 in Northern California. Vineyard activities started earlier than usual due to mild temperatures and some welcomed rain in March. The entire season was advanced by two weeks and accordingly, we picked estate Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon by September 13th with Oakville Ranch Vineyard lagging by about seven days. The vintage is notable for small berry size and robust tannin. A fairly care free growing season for farming, lacking spring frosts and threatening harvest rains, the resulting wines show good long-term aging potential for patient collectors.

93 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

From our small estate planting of handsomely old vines, Petite Sirah ripens early on our Cortina well-drained soils. Petite is a misnomer for these muscular and confounding wines. The color is dark yet tannins are polished and svelte with loads of aging potential. Plum skin, road tar, walnut skin, and dark chocolate fill the glass without heaviness. Unique in Napa Valley, Petite Sirah represents about 2% of total acreage. We relish the opportunity to farm and lavish attention on these amazing vines.

2015 Growing Season | A significantly low rainfall year with the majority of precipitation occurring in February and virtually no rain in January. The growing season and budbreak were off to an early start- the result of above average temperatures in March. Overall, the season was challenging in the vineyard due to elevated summer temperatures and low relative humidity with little fog. Great care was taken with canopy management and fruit positioning. The vintage will be remembered for its small crop, substantial tannin, and impressive wine quality.

93 PTS | Jeb Dunnuck

From our small estate planting of handsomely old traditionally trained vines, Petite Sirah is the first red fruit to ripen each season. A field blend of mostly Petite Sirah with an occasional Alicante and Carignane vine, Petite Sirah represents only 2% of Napa Valley’s total grape acreage. Farmed with affection, we feel fortunate to experience tending vines over sixty years in age and still producing an impressive crop. Tannins are thick yet svelte with loads of aging potential. Our version of Petite Sirah is freshly inviting and balanced. This vintage reveals a pure expression of blackberry, anchored with notes of peat, walnut skin, and sage. Drinkable now and poised to age. 14.2% alcohol. Bottled without fining or filtration. California Certified Organic Vineyard.

2016 Growing Season | Noted as an exceptional quality vintage due to moderate summer temperatures, abundant winter rains and a balanced crop size. Despite a few brief summer heat events, there was ample water available in the soil at just the right times to deliver beautifully full clusters with mature tannin. Winter rainfall returned to Napa Valley and amounts at Gallica paralleled those of 2012 | Hand-harvested on September 6th

From our small estate planting of handsomely old traditionally trained vines, the 2018 vintage is a knockout. A field blend of mostly Petite Sirah with an occasional Alicante and Carignane vine, Petite Sirah represents only 2% of Napa Valley’s total grape acreage. A cross of Syrah and Peloursin, botanists and breeder Francois Durif named the grape after himself. Brought to California in the 1880’s from France, it was named Petite Sirah in reference to its berry size. We feel fortunate to tend vines over sixty years in ae and still producing an impressive crop. Our version of Petite Sirah is freshly inviting and balanced with moderate sweet tannins. This vintage reveals a pure expression of blueberry pie, dark chocolate, anchored with notes of peat, walnut skin, and sage. Petite Sirah can be cellared however we’ve crafted this robust variety for simplicity and daily enjoyment. CCOF - California Certified Organic Vineyard.

2018 Growing Season | Noted as an exceptional quality vintage due to moderate summer temperatures with plenty of time to fully ripen tannins. Winter rainfall was below desired levels, but it arrived in the early spring delaying budbreak and filling the soil profile | Overall, 2018 was an outstanding vintage without serious farming challenges and sensational for making wine at a leisurely pace | Hand-harvested on September 17th

94 PTS - Jeb Dunnuck

2011 is a sensational vintage for anything in the Rhone varietal family. Cool seasons such as these elevate the delicate and mouthwatering aromatics. The 2011 blend is composed of Grenache 513, Mourvèdre 369, Viognier 642 and Syrah Noir. Burgundian methods were used with gentle extraction, hand punch-downs, and judicious use of oak. My goal is to make expressive wines, with harmony and integration of varietals, informed not overwhelmed by oak aging. Grenache dominates the blend with redcurrants and plums, Mourvèdre brings spine, and the beautiful Syrah Noir contributes smoked meats with a touch of garam massala. Viognier was especially gorgeous at Shake Ridge and its unique aromatics are unrivaled.

The decision to make a Grenache blend was an easy one, born out of my love for the wines of both southern and northern Rhone. Shake Ridge Ranch is nestled in the Amador foothills of California, impeccably farmed by Ann Kraemer and family.

Grenache 53%
Syrah Noir 31%
Mourvèdre 14%
Viognier 2%
Harvested: October 3-26, 2011 Fourteen months in neutral cooperage Bottled unfiltered

93 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

More muscular than the previous two vintages, this bottling from Shake Ridge Vineyard has all the vitality and charm of Grenache, made all the more interesting by the contribution of Syrah Noir, Mourvèdre and the aromatic Viognier. Notes of bitter almond, hibiscus tea, and the subtlety of mouthwatering smoked meats, make these perfect food wines that transcend seasons. All varieties are fermented separately with the exception of Syrah and Viognier, which are co-fermented. Located in the gently rolling Sierra foothills, farming at Shake Ridge Ranch is an entire family effort overseen by experienced grower Ann Kraemer. Geologically rich, this area is known for soils composed of schist, mica and quartz.

Grenache 48%
Syrah Noir 32%
Mourvèdre 17%
Viognier 3%
Harvested September 17 -26, 2012 Fourteen months in neutral cooperage Bottled unfiltered

Always exotic and wonderfully expressive wines hail from Ann Kraemer’s beautiful Shake Ridge Ranch located in the Sierra foothills. The 2013 vintage is a lively and seriously age worthy blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Picked over eight days in early September, Syrah and Viognier fermented together with 10% stems. Blending took place early and elevage was in new and neutral puncheons for fourteen months prior to bottling-unfined and unfiltered. Pronounced kirsch, smoked game, cardamom, tellicherry pepper, even resin, the obvious minerality flirts with juicy acidity.

Syrah Noir 53%
Grenache 34%
Mourvèdre 11%
Viognier 2%
Harvested: September 6-14, 2013 Fourteen months in neutral cooperage Bottled unfiltered

94 PTS | Vinous | Galloni

The Shake Ridge terroir shines through this lovely vintage with its structure and boldness. We harvested over ten days between September 4th and 13th in yet another early drought- influenced year. Asian spice, black tea, and iron have always been a signature of Anne Kraemer’s stunning vineyard in the Amador foothills. Dried cherry, blood orange, pomegranate and crushed rock dominate the flavors with gentle tannins and vibrant acidity. The Grenache just sings with its ruby color to its inviting aromatics. Aged for seventeen months in a combination of fifty percent new and neutral Burgundian cooperage, we favor large format for aging these incredible wines. Youthfully fresh and stunning now with decanting. Syrah Noir 53% | Grenache 34% | Mourvèdre 11% | Viognier 2%. Harvested September 4-13, 2014. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

2014 Growing Season | One of the driest in recent years often compared to 1976-1977 in Northern California. Vineyard activities started earlier than usual due to mild temperatures and some welcomed rain in March. The vintage is notable for small berry size and robust tannin. A fairly care free growing season for farming, lacking spring frosts and threatening harvest rains, the resulting wines show good long-term aging potential for patient collectors.

94 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

From Steel Plow Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, this charming valley floor site is expertly farmed by viticulturist extraordinaire Phil Coturri and his team. Certified organic, the soils are primarily igneous volcanic rock and clay. Our rendition of Steel Plow is primarily Grenache with a small contribution of both Mourvèdre and Syrah Noir. Aged ten months in a select handful of new and older large format Burgundy style cooperage, the wine was bottled without fining of filtration. Aromatically complex, the wine is high-fidelity Grenache in presentation. Approachable now for summer enjoyment, there is a tension between come –hither notes of strawberry ganache, hard candy, and sensational ruby color with darker savory notes, brown apple skin, and even some road tar. Bottled August 2016. 116 cases 750 ML produced.

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2015 Growing Season | Remarkable for outstanding wine quality | Rainfall less than 50% of normal | Above average temperatures during the growing season advancing grape development by 2-3 weeks | Small tonnage year.

The gentle slopes of the Santa Lucia Range separate the Monterey Bay from the geometry of the diverse green farmland of Salinas River Valley. It is here you find the Santa Lucia Highlands. This is the landscape Steinbeck so beautifully describes where fog often hugs the hillsides providing the renowned climate that produces some of the finest Syrah. We are pleased to work with Mark Pisoni who skillfully tends the vines at Soberanes Vineyard. Inspired by traditionalists of northern Rhone, my winemaking strives for purity of fruit, thoughtful use of oak, allowing the terroir to take center stage. Lovely now with decanting, patience will be rewarded. True to my style, these are wines that can age without being ponderous. Fig conserve, smoked meats, cherry pipe tobacco, and vibrant minerality are notable attributes in this bottling. The 2012 harvest delivered everything that was required to make compelling wine nearly effortlessly.

94+ PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

Our quest for a northern Rhone inspired wine was answered when we started working with Soberanes Vineyard. A collaboration between the Franscioni and Pisoni families, the vineyard is beautifully farmed by Mark Pisoni on this cool and windy site. The soils are primarily granite, sandstone, limestone, and shale. It’s hard to believe that berries so delicate result in wines with such richness and structure. Entirely Syrah, it was fermented in open tops with about 25% stems. Cool cave aging with elevage for fourteen months in a combination of small and large format barrels, the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is a vintage with extraordinary complexity meant to both savor and save. Notes of wild plum, riverbed, some earthy peat, and cherry tobacco linger, driving long and refined tannins.

92 PTS | Vinous | Antonio Galloni

This is such a pleasant surprise in its youth with muscular yet polished and supple tannins. Elegance with gravitas. Entirely Syrah from this cool and windy site, we picked on October 1st and fermented 65% whole clusters in small open top tanks. Dense and complex with dried cocoa dust, black tea, saddle leather and even some ash and tobacco leaf. Meant for a long and interesting life, or drinking now with decanting and autumn comfort food. Full on Syrah with stems, large format barrels, no holding back.

2014 Growing Season | One of the driest in recent years often compared to 1976-1977 in Northern California. Vineyard activities started earlier than usual due to mild temperatures and some welcomed rain in March. The vintage is notable for small berry size and robust tannin. A fairly care free growing season for farming, lacking spring frosts and threatening harvest rains, the resulting wines show good long-term aging potential for patient collectors.

Sourced from Rorick Heritage Vineyard, this is our second vintage from a varietal fairly unique in California. Fermented entirely in a combination of small stainless and neutral oak cooperage, the new wine spent six months on its lees before bottling. Primarily Albariño, a small addition of Muscat Blanc provides the aromatics and phenolic texture we enjoy. Skin contact before pressing, shows off river stone and Asian pear. Weather in 2016 was nearly perfect throughout the growing season resulting in small and flavorful berries with abundant acidity. The epitome of summer, the delicacy of white peach and salivating lime zest suggests late night dining, sushi, and garden vegetables. Beeswax, subtle jasmine and brioche fill out the aromatics in this zippy wine. 216 cases 750 ML produced.

2016 Growing Season | Superb quality year | Welcome rainfall at greater than 140% above 2015’s paltry average | Average to above average tonnage | Moderate temperatures during the growing season relatively problem free.

Our third bottling of Albariño and now three years in the bottle, we have been wowed by its aging trajectory. Showing amazingly complexity now – this is truly a glass to enjoy with food.. Fermented entirely in a combination of stainless and neutral oak barrels, the wine remained on its lees for six months prior to bottling. Decidedly free from malo-lactic fermentation attributes, the varietal character is pure and inviting. Loaded with notes of lemon myrtle, brioche, and mandarin peel, simply put-this is a refreshingly salivating wine.

2017 Growing Season Calaveras | A good quality year for early ripening varieties | The majority of rainfall came in March 2017- a challenge in the vineyard but fortuitous for vines in this warm season | Average to below- average tonnage. Harvested on August 29th

Gallica’s only white wine emphasizes the sublime limestone signature found on this high elevation site. Tropical fruit and white flowers emerge from the mineral backbone. Summer is a time of relaxed days and spontaneous occasions- the ease of creating a meal right off the boat or just picked from the garden. We love Albariño for its purity, complementing a vast array of summer foods. A faithful companion to shellfish, curries, sushi, and anything saffron. Fermented in a combination of stainless and neutral oak barrels, we practice low intervention winemaking with the goal of accurately representing the beauty of this white grape in California. Almost weightless, we find lime peel, white rose, even a hint of savory in the glass. Partial malo-lactic fermentation polish the crisp acidity so noted in Albariño. 13.2% alcohol. Bottled March 2019. Vineyard Elevation: 2142 feet | 652 meters. Sustainably Farmed.

2018 Growing Season Calaveras California | A later than average growing season due cool spring temperatures coupled with surprising generous yields | Other than periods of hot temperatures in July, the growing season was relaxed relative to previous recent years | Rainfall January through August 2018 was a mere 8.3 inches.

Gallica’s only white wine emphasizes the sublime limestone signature found on this high elevation site. We harvested clusters smaller than the average on August 30th- within the typical harvest zone for this site. Whole clusters went direct to press and the juice was fermented in a combination of large stainless and a few select neutral oak barrels. Making Albariño means doing hardly anything at all. The newly made wine sat on its lees for six months with an occasional stir and topping. While there is alluring tropical notes associated with the Albariño variety, this vintage has layers of marine salt, lime zest, and the subtle white alyssum flower. A steadfast companion to shellfish, green olives, marcona almonds, and curried summer stews. Summer is a time of simple meals and eating from the garden. This is a wine to share now with friends, neighborhood (small) gatherings and porch side conversations. For the curious oenophile, we’ve been pleasantly surprised how Albariño evolves with short term aging. There is no malo- lactic fermentation in this bottling to protect the crisp acidity so noted in Albariño. 13.0% alcohol. Vineyard Elevation : 2142 feet | 652 meters

2019 Growing Season- A dream growing season with bountiful winter rain and moderate spring frost | Harvest started August 21 and concluded in late September | Excellent set and generous crop size | Summer temperatures dropped the later part of harvest with even some early fall frost.

We picked Albariño early in 2020 to retain the gorgeous attributes of this lovely varietal. Hailing from Rorick Heritage Vineyard, the wine is entirely Albariño fermented in a combination of large stainless barrels and neutral oak cooperage. The cooperage choices are made so the fruit shines without nary a trace of oak. Dry and round, showing off mineral notes, beeswax, salt air, and notes of green melon. Albariño remains a house favorite when it comes to choosing food pairings- really anything goes. The epitome of summer, we appreciate most when served just cool enough to enjoy the compelling aromatics. Vineyard Elevation : 2142 feet | 652 meters | Farmed organically

2020 Growing Season | Calaveras California | A later than average growing season due cool spring temperatures coupled with surprising generous yields | Other than periods of hot temperatures in July, the growing season was relaxed relative to recent years | Rainfall January through August 2018 was a mere 8.3 inches | Overall a solid vintage with few farming challenges.

Our singular white wine, we love Albariño for its distinctive aromas and paring potential. The bottling of Albariño reminds us that warmer weather is around the corner. Limestone freshness straight from this remarkable alpine terroir, mingles with luscious fruit and juicy acidity. Aromatics from the summer garden grace the 2021 vintage with notes of lemon verbena, white peach, and notes of savory. Without oak influence, this is a celebration of Albariño ready to enjoy. Farmed Organically

2021 Growing Season | Calaveras County California | A dry winter with nary any spring rain resulting in low yields and small concentrated flavorful golden berries | Harvested on August 25th by hand