Variety: 100% Grenache Blanc
Vineyard: Catie’s Corner
Location: Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA
Alcohol: 12.2%
Production: 150 cases

Additional time aging in bottle before release allows the wine to transform from simply bright and fresh, to much more layered complexity with enhanced salinity and minerality. The result is one of the most complex Grenache Blancs made in California, with intense aromatics akin to an aged Riesling.

Grapes were destemmed and well crushed to maximize skin contact, and remained on skins for 2-4 hours. They are then pressed directly to fermentation vessels without settling and remain on the heavy lees for 5 months. Primary fermentation occurs naturally with no additions, only indigenous yeast, and native Malolactic, in 2/3 neutral barrels for texture and complexity, and 1/3 stainless barrels for freshness and aromatics. Total elevage was 7 months, with an additional 3+ years in bottle before release.

Saralee McClellan Kunde was a Sonoma icon, grafted this vineyard for Two Shepherds in 2011, establishing it as the first planting of Grenache Blanc in the Russian River Valley AVA and making their 2013 release the first bottling of Russian River Grenache Blanc. The vineyard is named for her daughter Catie, who now owns it. Saralee is still remembered for covering Sonoma County in daffodil plants in her youth, hence the logo illustration paying tribute to this remarkable woman.