Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Alcohol: 12.5%

This wine balances opulence and freshness. Aromas of quince, ripe pear, white flowers, ginger, wool, a bit o’ honey, and wet stone all waft from the glass, while vibrant acidity and minerality invigorate the palate.

Grapes were harvested in two picks; the grapes from the first pick were foot-stomped and soaked on the skins for 24 hours before pressing, while the latter pick was sent direct-to-press. The juice was then settled overnight and racked to neutral oak barrels where it underwent a native yeast fermentation. Once fermentation was complete, the barrels were topped and aged for 10 months without disturbing the lees. Minimal sulfur was added for stability before bottling without fining or filtration.

Planted in 1972, Shell Creek Vineyard is among the first vineyards planted in San Luis Obispo County. The vineyard is located in the Paso Robles Highlands District and is organically farmed by the sixth generation Stinton family of California farmers. This remote vineyard sits beneath limestone cliffs featuring marine fossils after which the vineyard was named.