Inconnu is a tiny one-woman-run winery in Napa. Winemaker Laura Brennan Bissell’s vision is to make wine from low-intervention vineyards and focusing on a style of wine that she says she would want to drink. Laura is part of the minimalist movement in the wine world. Her label is small production and done in a style that has been a bit out of fashion for the last 20 years — focusing on the lighter, brighter side of wine. The name ‘Inconnu’ refers to the centuries-old theme of bucking the system and rejects the typical California wine hierarchy.

We will taste:

Chenin Blanc 2018, Clarksburg — A stone’s throw from the Sacramento River, the Chenin vines are farmed organically and typically dry-farmed as well. Minimal intervention carries over into the cellar where the wine is aged in neutral barrels on the lees for one year — a lengthy process necessary for this style. Aromatically, this wine is flinty and stone fruited. Light bodied, with nice texture from the lees aging. The palate is salty and refreshing, with notes of lemon zest, yellow apples and pear, with a pleasantly nutty finish. 12% ABV. $30.50/$10

Rosé 2020, Sierra Foothills — 100% Merlot. Produced from grapes that would normally have gone into Kitsune, Laura elected to harvest the grapes early to avoid the devastating smoke that would envelope the area just days later. The resulting wine turned out to be anything but a “turn and burn” rosé destined to be drunk soon after bottling. She devoted 12 months of barrel aging. 12.5% ABV. $34.99/$10.50

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — Fruit is sourced from premier sites in Clarksburg, Carneros, and the Russian River Valley, and was picked before the notorious 2019 wildfires. This lively bottling is a fresh-cherry-inflected, bright Cab. Red and blue fruits emerge from the glass, with intense acidity and medium-bodied, fresh tannins. There are hints of green peppercorn, mocha, blueberry, and red flowers. A low ABV and bright red fruit distinguish this wine from its heavier, more oak-laden California counterparts. A fun, lighter-style red. 13.25% ABV. $38.99/$13

See your Friday!