Juicy Morello cherry, ground marjoram, singed orange peel. Tart strawberry, cool tar, red candy apple. An intensely aromatic explosion of red licorice, wild blueberry, and rhubarb puree erupts from a plump yet nervy fruit core bolstered in fragrance by blooming roses, tomato leaf, vanilla, and smoke. Notes of hibiscus, violet, and bougainvillea advance the thread of natural and floral perfume as oregano, pine, bay leaf, and basil reveal a complicating layer of herbal nuance. Underlying hints of iron, leather, and asphalt expose a subtle tinge of rusticity that plays in tune with terroir-focused reflections of rock salt, sandy loam, and ocean air. Exceeding bright, high toned, and vibrant on the nose while remaining quite crunchy and fresh on the palate; exhibiting terrific weightlessness and restraint expressed with delicate yet pure-fruited concentration. Medium in body supported by moderate tannin and nicely elevated acidity. This 2017 Lost Coast's Dragon Vineyard Nebbiolo by Terragena Vineyard is an incredibly unique, complex, and expressive micro-production red from Humboldt County. 

Although Northern California's Humboldt County is quite large from a geographical perspective, this sprawling region currently only contains about 120 acres of vineyards which actually makes it one of California's smallest wine production zones. This bottling, crafted by Terragena Vineyard using Nebbiolo sourced from the Lost Coast's Dragon Vineyard in Northern Humboldt County, is an incredible example of how small-scale production can allow for the creation of tremendously unique wine. Clocking in at a mere 27 cases produced this single vineyard offering is exceptionally expressive and characterful with gushes of gorgeously aromatic fruit backed by floral, herbal, and smoky tones. While it contains Nebbiolo's classic pale color along with hints of tar and roses, this wine's softness and approachability are almost Pinot-like in character and yet somehow completely distinct. This is an extremely intriguing and unconventional Humboldt gem.