2021 Sheldon Graciano Blend 'Tension & Release'

36% Graciano, 24% Old Vine Petite Sirah, 24% Sangiovese, 16% Syrah. Each of these grapes used to be bottled separately. Dylan says that the blend creates an even more interesting and delicious wine than if the components were bottled separately. Harvested at 22 brix, foot -trodden, whole cluster and native yeast fermented. Aged in neutral oak. Racked under a “new moon” for settling the lees. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 156 cases produced.

Wildly delicious and unique red blend. Lively dark fruited, floral, and spicy profile with Bing cherry, wild plum, r ed currant, crushed brambly raspberry and strawberry fruits, as well as cigar box, minty herbs, wilted rose, cinnamon/pepper spice, cedar and anise. East to love. Fresh and amusing effort that is highly recommended.

Its floral bouquet and tart fruitiness will shine with lean meats, charcuterie, burgers, and rich, savory stews. A fine partner for cured cheeses, its peppery notes also enhance earthy mushrooms, hearty beans, or steak au poivre.

Sheldon is a self-described “Micro-Winery” located in Santa Rosa, California. Never shy with their philosophy, they say, “No new oak was harmed in the making of this wine. Unfined and unfiltered, because sterile wines have no soul.The purpose is not to make low-alcohol wine but is to make the most delicious wine possible.” Following a mutual passion for wine, Tobe and Dylan Sheldon traveled throughout thirteen countries, making wine in New Zealand and the south of France, getting married along the way. With a borrowed basket press in 2002 and a lot of foot stomping, they created their first 420 cases of Sheldon wine in 2003, now a Micro-Winery producing about 1,000 cases per year. Their goal is to strike a balance between sometimes austere European styling, and an overly fruity or barrel-heavy California style.

Grapelive: “Sometimes winemaker Dylan Sheldon reminds me of a young Randall Grahm, where you think either this guy is either brilliant or has a screw loose.”