While California still has the image of a place where big, over-extracted wines are the norm, there is a growing community of winemakers who are making balanced wines that have that old world drinkability factor. One producer that has led the charge is Chris Brockway. His Berkeley based winery, Broc Cellars, produces a wide range of wines. In recent years he has partnered with Selection Massale, an important wine importer, to produce "Le Clairet." This blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Carignan, comes from the Wirth Vineyard, in Solano County, Southeast of Napa Valley. Chris takes 90% of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, destems them and leaves the last 5% as whole cluster to line the bottom of the tank. He ferments with native yeast and no SO2, and presses early to lessen the amounts of harsh tannin. Before bottling, a small amount of 145 year-old vine Carignan is pressed back into tank to add even more lift and freshness. The resulting wine shows beautiful fruit notes on the nose, combining plum, red berries with herb and mineral notes. The palate is plump & juicy, offers refreshing acidity, and finishes long and bright. This is an incredibly fun wine to drink.
