2019 Spiritual Thirst, Red Wine, Amador County, Shake Ridge Ranch

I want to run
I want to hide
I want to tear down the walls
That hold me inside
I want to reach out
And touch the flame
Where the streets have no name.
-Bono

There’s no experience quite like venturing out into the desert lands of Joshua Tree. Looking out upon miles and miles of mystic plants, ancient trees and glimmering rock structures towering over the desolate landscape brings a profound sense of just how small we are in the expanse of this world. There is magic in these lands – where you can let go of attachments, look inward and find a sense of oneness with the world. Spiritual Thirst is a red wine that honors the journey that we’re all traveling on, towards a better understanding of who we are and our place in the cosmos. 

A blend of 84% Syrah and 16% Viognier, this wine is a nod to our favorite blends from Côte-Rôtie, a region in the Northern Rhône Valley of France, where Syrah and Viognier are often planted side by side. Blending red grapes with white grapes might seem a little crazy, but OG French winemakers have been doing it for generations. The Syrah brings those classic blackberry flavors while the Viognier intensifies color, enhances the mouthfeel, and contributes floral aromatics.

Tasting this wine is a journey in itself. At first glance, you’ll notice the rich plum color with a ruby core and faintly pink rim. The aromas wafting from the glass remind us of a foggy morning walk through a dense forest. Notes of leather, blueberries and violets combine with cedar and wet rocks for a truly enlightening experience. The palate is meaty and complex. Upon your first sip, you’ll be met with savory, fleshy notes with tons of baking spice. Blue and black fruit open up on the textural mid-palate with notes of sage and violet on the finish. The tannin structure is delicate and well-integrated with edgy acidity and faint smokiness. A perfect accompaniment to summer grilling sessions, Spiritual Thirst is a wine you’ll be reaching for time and time again.

The fruit for Spiritual Thirst was harvested in the fall of 2019 from Shake Ridge Ranch, an absolutely epic vineyard located at 1,800 feet above sea level in the Sierra foothills, 5 miles northeast of Sutter Creek in Amador County. The legendary viticulturist, Ann Kraemer, tends to these sustainably farmed vines that are rooted in ancient volcanic soils. The cool air from the alpine environment makes for a long growing season, helping fruit retain fresh acidity and amazing textural quality. To make wine from such sacred vines is an incredible honor and we are grateful year after year to be working with such special fruit.