It's complicated, but in a good way.
Inspired by the era of neon and new wave, "Don't Call It Love" is a vibrant, chillable red for nights that are all about a good time. It’s for those who appreciate the no-strings-attached kind of fun—the kind of wine you'd want to dance with somebody, but never take too seriously. This bold statement is bottled for the wild hearts and the rule-breakers who know a good thing when they taste it, without needing to put a label on it. (but we did anyway for legal reasons.)
This blend is led by Gamay Noir, which comes from two unique vineyards in El Dorado County. From the mature vines of Barsotti Vineyard, high at nearly 3,000 feet, the wine benefits from its pink granite soils (Musick) that adds a distinct minerality. The Fenaughty Vineyard, at a slightly lower 2,850 feet, provides a different profile with its young vines rooted in volcanic soils. The blend is rounded out by Counoise from the Camino Ridge Vineyard, also in El Dorado County. At a high elevation of 3,000 feet, this Counoise thrives in volcanic red soils, contributing a vibrant and expressive element to the final wine.
To capture the grape’s signature bright and lively character, both lots of Gamay Noir underwent seven days of carbonic maceration. This process, where whole grape clusters ferment from the inside out, creates a vibrant burst of fruit and a playful lightness on the palate. The blend is then completed by a portion of Counoise, a wild Rhône varietal that was fully destemmed to highlight its pure fruit and elegant structure. Just before bottling, we added a final, electrifying touch: a small dose of CO2 to give the wine a subtle spritz, echoing the refreshing style of a Vinho Verde. The final result is a chillable red—light on its feet, brimming with energy, and ready for whatever the moment brings.
This Gamay and Counoise blend is a delicious contradiction—delicately bold and beautifully complex. On the nose, you'll find aromas of bright red and black fruits. The first sip reveals a very fruity palate with notes of cherry jolly rancher, other bright red fruit, and a touch of baking spice like cinnamon and vanilla. All of this is framed by a silky texture, a vibrant acidity, and a hint of effervescence. This wine is also exceptionally food-friendly, pairing effortlessly with charcuterie (a mix of cured meats and cheeses), Korean BBQ, and spicy Thai cuisine.
Don't Call It Love is a refreshingly chillable red that stands out by blending bold California fruit with a new, edgy twist. Like a well-curated mixtape (and yes, we said tape—remember those?) it captures the push and pull of a complicated relationship: the high-energy anthems that spark your heart and the smooth, soulful ballads that make you question everything. Each sip offers a mix of powerful satisfaction and unexpected depth, revealing new layers with every turn. Rich yet effortless, this wine is the kind of unpredictable companion you can’t quite define, but can’t stop coming back to—always leaving you wondering if it’s love, or something else entirely.
