This collaboration wine brings together two passion projects: Two Shepherds of Sonoma, and Fields Family Wines of Lodi. Winemakers William and Ryan share a love of Rhone wines, and strive to highlight many of its relatively unknown grapes grown in California. With only an acre of Grenache Blanc in the Russian River Valley and less than 20 acres in Lodi, this wine illustrates the potential of both cool and Mediterranean climate Grenache Blanc in California. Both wines are fermented with native yeast, 50% fermented in stainless steel, 50% in neutral barrel, then aged 7 months in neutral barrel.
Farmed organically. Native to southern France, the name means ‘lip stinger’ – a naturally high acid white grape perfect for our wine style. This 6 barrel lot was fermented and aged in 50% stainless steel, and 50% neutral puncheon (double sized barrel) for 8 months. Mouthwatering acidity, weight and aromatics. 11.3% alc.
Our 3rd release of Vermentino (also known as Rolle in Southern France.) This 6 barrel lot was fermented and aged in 50% stainless steel, and 50% neutral barrel for 6 months. Fresh and gulpable, mouthwatering acidity, and nice weight, texture that belies the low 11.3% alcohol. Organically farmed, no additions save a small amount of sulfur.
Our original notes said "The 2012 is even leaner and brighter, and is undergoing additional bottle aging before release. Think essence of Myer lemon." Because we thought it was too bright (Viognier???), we held it.
Now, after seven years bottle aging, the wine is showing beautifully.
A unique wine from an obscure grey skinned grape, originally from the Jura. The grapes are the only planting in CA, from a 40 year old vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Fermented with native yeast on the skins for five days to extract color, flavor and texture, then aged in neutral barrels for 8 months, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Our previous release (2015 vintage) was whole-cluster, while the 2017, our 5th consecutive vintage from this vineyard, is destemmed, allowing a fresh and vibrant expression.
Dolce, our affable miniature Sicilian donkey inspired this wine. Destemmed and left on the skins to start a native yeast fermentation, then after 5 days pressed to finish fermentation and aged in neutral French barrels. The 5 days of skin contact impart a copper hue, reminiscent of Italian Ramato. The taste is uniquely its own, landing somewhere between an orange wine and a rosé.
Fun and fresh, with lingering savory notes. A wine as unique as our Dolce. Hee Haw!
Our latest release of our flagship white Rhone blend. Keeping with tradition, the primary variety is Roussanne (50%) blended with 30% Marsanne, 15% Viognier, and 5% Grenache Blanc.
The Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier, are from the esteemed Saralee's Vineyard, the Grenache Blanc from Catie's Corneer in Russian River Valley. The Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc are the only plantings in the Russian River AVA.
This year's complex blend is only 12.5% alcohol (difficult to achieve in a balanced Roussanne) and is bright and vibrant, yet aromatic and complex.
Enjoy during dungeness crab season on the west coast, and also pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops and similar fare.
From the esteemed Saralee's Vineyard, Russian River planting, this small less than 1 acre planting of Roussanne is the only one in the entire AVA. The cool climate creates a bright expression of Roussanne, while keeping its richer texture.
Two Shepherds latest release of our restrained style, cool climate Viognier. In 2014 we changed vineyards from Saralee's Vineyard to Catie's Corner. Catie's Corner is named after Saralee's daughter, and is also in the Russian River Valley, the same vineyard we farm our local Grenache Blanc.
Fragrant aromatics of jasmine and white peach, without being over powering as so many California viogner can be. Nice acidity and finish, will pair well with mild curries, shellfish, cream sauces.
Our 'atypical' viognier' is always a big hit with our customers and sells out immediately, so for 2014 we doubled production, to a (whopping) 75 cases.
