2022 Samuel Louis Smith Gamay 'Escolle Vineyard'

100% Gamay from the Escolle Vineyard, owned and farmed by the fantastic sparkling producer Caraccioli in the cooler, foggier northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands.   75% whole-cluster + 25% carbonic maceration. Native fermentation started by a pied de cuve from the vineyard after seven day carbonic maceration. 7 months élévage in 100% neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur. 12.7% alcohol. 

Sam's tasting notes: "Dark red. Rose petal, cracked pepper, savory herbs, and raspberry candy are followed by hints of cured meat, salted plum, and damp earth. Medium light body with bright acid and lithe tannins."

91 points, Wine Enthusiast. "Lovely aromas of strawberry sauce, blueberry and violet draw the nose into this densely layered bottling. It's not quite as exciting as the first Gamay vintage from this site, but the palate is still very enticing with zippy acidity that gives the sour grape soda flavors a pep in their step."SLS