Carol Shelton’s road to becoming a winemaker had a very early and unusual start. When she was six, her mom developed an “identify the scent” game using herbs and spices out of their kitchen cabinet. It quickly became apparent that Carol not only possessed a great sense of smell, but she was remarkably adept at figuring out the new smells as the game evolved. She attributes this as the beginning of her path into the wine industry. She worked for Rodney Strong and Windsor for 19 years before she started her own winery in 2000; during those 19 years, she was drawn to the range of flavors that Zinfandel offered and that varietal has been her specialty.

We will sample two of her signature ‘Wild Thing’ wines:

Wild Thing Viognier 2020 — Aromas of white flowers (jasmine, gardenia and honeysuckle) mingled with pretty green tea, grapefruit and orange zest aromas, only a light kiss of creamy vanilla oak toast. Super crisp acidity without being puckery tart, just pinpoint balanced with trace of sweetness and creaminess from oak. Juicy, mouth-watering Honey-crisp apple and citrus, green peach fruit. The grapes were harvested just a bit shy of full ripeness; as a result, the fruit expresses lively citrus and gentle white flower aromatics. Barrel fermentation in mostly older French oak barrels leads to a wine of perfect structure and creamy-crispy balance. Only 599 cases produced. ABV 13.4%. $23.99/$8

Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel 2018 — Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and raspberry fruit combine with a hint of cigar box, and vanilla-oak baking spice loveliness. Smoothly textured in mouth, and the palate is very creamy and round, with a finish that is long with lush jammy fruit. Old Vine Mendocino Zinfandel is a treasure. Grown on the benchlands and slopes of mountainsides, this 60-plus-year-old vine Zinfandel was named for the wild-looking vines and for the uninoculated or “wild” yeast ferment that was used to create it. It takes a lot of effort to tame this wild fruit, but it is worth the trouble. “Remember, you are what you drink!” Blend: 78% Old Vine Zinfandel, 14% Old Vine Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah. 14.5% ABV. $22.99/$8