Jolie-Laide Gamay Noir Sonoma Coast 2021

It may be hard to believe but the new spring season is upon us and with it comes some of our favorite new releases! If you are interested in bright, balanced, honest wines from incredibly talented and charismatic winemakers who have the confidence to push boundaries, yet still produce wines that overflow with elegance and finesse, look no further than Jolie-Laide, founded by winemaker Scott Schultz. Scott’s vision of making his own wine caught light in 2007 when he moved from Chicago to Napa Valley to assist with the wine program at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro. In the years that followed, Scott went on to work harvests as a cellar master for Pax Mahle of Wind Gap Wines in Sebastopol, who allowed Scott to make a bit of wine for himself using the obscure Trousseau Gris grape. By 2010, Jolie-Laide had officially launched! The name Jolie-Laide translates loosely to “Pretty-Ugly”, a French term of endearment to describe something that is unconventionally beautiful. Today, Scott makes some of the most unique and highly sought-after wines in California that are true to their name. Whether enjoyed poolside or at the dinner table, each of his unique bottlings is the perfect complement to any experience. 

Newly budded over Gamay Noir makes a strong name for itself in its first year. This vineyard is special in every way. On the northern side of Sonoma County, this vineyard benefits from higher elevation, heightened exposure to the elements, extreme hillsides, and complex soils consisting of quartz and schist. The clusters are left whole and kicked off fermentation by carbonic maceration, which leads int distinctive high-tone appeal. The fruit is eventually then crushed by foot and finished whole cluster to integrate both tannin and spice from the skins and stems. Finally, the wine is pressed to neutral barrel for a short 6-month elevage and bottled young to preserve the delicate aromatics. Dark and inky in color, yet elevated on the palate, this wine is ripe with strawberry, summer herbs, and tart cranberry. The perfect wine to pair with your backyard BBQ.