Cuvée #9, 2021, Nebbiolo, Rancho Sisqouc “Cru”, Santa Maria Valley

Brandon Farrell's Notes:

The Nebbiolo may be the shining star of the entire F&F lineup. As a massive fan of Alpine Nebbiolo like Ar Pepe or Barolo producers like Massolino or G.D. Vajra, or Barbaresco producers like Marchesi di Gresy, I have always been on the lookout for potential challengers to the crown. Beechworth in Aussie has some formidable examples like Giaconda & Luke Lambert, but Jim Clendenen for years behind the scenes has been producing epic examples that have impressed wine experts for years.

When tasting for this cuvée, there were many vineyards and sites to choose from, but one that stood out to me was the Rancho Sisquoc Vineyard. It was pure, elegant, classical, effortless in its power but stayed true to its California roots with a cherry & raspberry explosion of fruit on the palate. This truly is a masterpiece and worthy of Grand Cru status. The art was created in Adobe, and it is an abstract color scheme picked to match Nebbiolo’s famed orange rim color & represent the lightness yet power this grape can obtain.

Artwork/Design: Brandon Farrell, Digital