Now in its 3rd year, the Picpoul Blanc has always been a crowd favorite. With an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset, 2020’s harvest found us right back at Rorick Heritage Vineyard. Owned and operated by Matthew Rorick, this wild site boasts some of the prettiest views and cuddliest barn cats in the Sierras.
While Rorick Heritage Vineyard boasts an array of planting dates, with some going back almost a hundred years and even more planted just recently, the block we source from was birthed in 1992. Traditionally, Picpoul is known to thrive in vineyards perched high atop hills made of limestone which lend a distinct minerality.The high elevation climate of this site (2000 ft) combined with limestone and schist soils have a trademark character that we relish in this lip stinger: generous aromatics, textural mouthfeel, and bright natural acidity.
A late-ripening variety, picpoul is one of the last picks at the ranch. We bring ours in at the same time as Matthew, around 20/21 brix. The wine was pressed whole cluster to neutral barrel and flex tank for fermentation and aging. Native primary and secondary ferments went off without a hitch.
The 2020 PB has a real ‘kid in class who licked rocks’ energy. Yuzu, oyster shell, and lemon curd abound. Grab an order, nay, a sack of frites and call it a night.
Always (and only) minimal Sulfites added.