There’s a famous song about being stuck in Lodi and wanting to catch the next Greyhound home, but when we got to Lodi we couldn’t have been happier.
Lot 441 is a 100% estate-grown Grenache Blanc from a boutique family-owned winery in the Lodi region that's known for their expression of this varietal (and also having a trophy cabinet overflowing with 90+ point scores and gold medals going back decades). They have no distribution - the only way to get this award-winning wine was through their tasting room or wine club. Until now.
2023's surplus (coupled with a downturn in tasting room traffic) had our source looking to shed some juice, and we were happy to capitalize. From their tasting room, this wine goes for $30/bottle, $360/case before shipping charges. Our price: $17/bottle.
Lodi's microclimate is perfect for this classic European varietal. Maritime breezes blowing off the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta lock in the grape's natural acidity. Hot summer days ensure its ripeness. Well-draining sandy loam soils, washed down from The Sierra Nevada, moderate its yields.
Hand-picked at perfect physiological ripeness and crafted by a local winemaker who has decades of experience with warmer climate varietals, it underwent 100% native yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks on fine lees to soften the palate a touch. Its mild 13.9% alc. is testament to Lodi’s terroir and our source’s expert growing.
Opens with an expressive nose of spiced pear and lemon zest backed by apple, honeysuckle, and a delicately herbed halo. The entry is mildly creamy, contrasted by bright acidity with clean, wet stone minerality that leads to an uplifted and dynamic finish of apricot, honeydew melon, and resonant white florals that carry on with good length.
13.9%
