MAHA Estate

*made with CCOF certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic grapes "Oops, I did it again Baby..." - Austin Powers 100% Clairette Blanche. The MAHA Clairette continues to move from strength to strength, vintage to vintage. In 2022, it stood up to 12 days of over 100 degree temperatures without falling apart, much like Grenache. Fermented in a selection of French and Hungarian barriques and puncheons (33% new) with batonage (lees stirring) weekly through fermentation and then monthly for the remainder of its 20-month elevage (aging). Striking aromatics of pineapple, peach, and quince emerge from the glass, transitioning to a rich and textural palate of almond flour cake, grilled salted nectarine, and candied citrus rind before finishing with a salty and savory edge that compliments its generous fruits. A real crowd pleaser! Drink 2024-2030

*Made with CCOF certified organic and DEMETER certified biodynamic grapes. Some friends who have had sneak peeks of this wine are calling it the best Understory to date. I have to agree, it is DELISH! Native yeast fermented with 20% whole clusters in concrete and stainless steel with a variety of pump overs and punch downs depending on desired extraction for 20 to 36 days. Basket pressed into a selection of French barriques and puncheons (15% new) then aged for 20 months. The nose is lively, displaying notes of wild berry tart with graham cracker crust, sweet thyme, orange peel, and dried cranberry. It transitions to an exquisite palate full of red fruits, wild cherries, white pepper, and cardamon. The finish is energetic and seamless and goes on forever…Do yourself a favor and double down on this one, your friends will thank you!

*Made with CCOF certified organic and DEMETER certified biodynamic grapes. This is a classic example of an iron fist in a velvet glove, a real beauty! Native yeast fermented with 20% whole clusters in concrete and stainless steel with a variety of pump overs and punch downs depending on desired extraction for 20 to 36 days. Basket pressed into a selection of French barriques and puncheons (15% new) then aged for 20 months. The nose boasts notes of macerated blueberries and huckleberries, local sages after a rain complicated with orange pekoe tea and Lupine flowers. The palate is evocative and bassy with black fruits, vanilla bean, black licorice, and violets, finishing with ripe balanced tannins and tremendous texture. A wine for thought and reflection.

Our cellar experiments are always a great opportunity for creative exploration, often yielding game changing results. Among these experiments, we have played with variations on barrel ferments, whole clusters, aging in stainless steel, and extended barrel aging. 2018 gave us a generous Clairette crop, so we decided to “experiment” with aging a small amount for an additional 12 months in a neutral 500 liter barrel. As we tasted the wine over time, it continued to gain complexity, nuance, and texture, without loosing that core of fruit. It was evolving to be something very special. A vibrant gold ray of sunshine in the glass draws you in. Aromatics of candied ginger, lemon oil, stone fruits and baking spices transition to a full bodied, unctuous and savory beautiful beast sporting notes bitter almond, brown butter cookie, honey, and white flowers. The finish is pure and seamless, with a hint of reduction that takes it to the next level. This wine is truly orgasmic. It has been touted as one of California’s great white wines by many in the industry, and has inspired a handful of new Clairette Blanche plantings in Paso Robles. We are humbled by all the praise this wine has garnered and look forward to doing it again if yields allow. It is a rare opportunity to catch lightning in a bottle.