infraction wines
2019 INFRACTION SAUVIGNON BLANC
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley
THE PLACE & PROCESS:
Grown in the cool western edges of the Russian River Valley, the alluring musqué clone of Sauvignon Blanc was fermented with native yeast in stainless steel at cold temperatures. The Loire Valley inspired 2019 Infraction melds new world aromatic pop with old world minerality.
MY NOTES:
Pale straw color. Enticing aromatics of key lime, grapefruit and white flowers. Zesty acidity frames the mid-palate with hints of honeydew melon, pear, and quince. The refreshing finish exhibits notes of wet stone, pear, and green apple.
2017 INFRACTION SAUVIGNON BLANC
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley
THE PLACE & PROCESS:
Classic Russian River Valley terroir, farmed organically, fermented on the skins for seven days with native yeasts, and aged in neutral barrels for six months before bottling. The Infraction is not your typical California Sauvignon Blanc.
MY NOTES:
An old-world rendition of Sauvignon Blanc. Light straw color with an intriguing mélange of honeycomb, flint, and baked Gravenstein apples. Zesty acidity highlights the firm mid-palate replete with key lime, almond paste, and Asian pear accents. The bright finish lingers with hints of kiwi, mineral, and earthy undertones.
2018 INFRACTION SAUVIGNON BLANC
APPELLATION: Dry Creek Valley
THE PLACE & PROCESS:
One hundred percent Musqué clone of Sauvignon Blanc. The vines are planted in loamy soils just outside the Russian River Valley appellation border adjacent to the venerable Westside Road. Fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain optimum varietal characteristics and freshness.
MY NOTES:
Vibrant aromatics flash a heady mix of grapefruit, lemongrass, and flint. Succulent acidity focuses the fresh mid-palate and exhibits a bright combination of pineapple, honeydew melon, and lime. The zesty finish lingers with elements of mineral, passionfruit, and pear.
2018 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley
THE IDEA:
Shorter barrel aging, no new oak, and fermented with minimal extraction to allow for an early release. The 2018 Constant Disruptions is classically styled yet youthful Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
MY NOTES:
Inviting red apple skin, rose petals, and allspice highlight the heady aromatics. The supple mid-palate reveals inviting elements of crushed cherry, cardamom, and strawberry. Hints of cranberry, anise, and sandalwood complete the refined finish.
2018 SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR
APPELLATION: Sonoma Coast
THE IDEA:
One hundred percent whole cluster fermentation with native yeast and aged in neutral oak barrels. Sourced from Freestone to Annapolis along the spine of the Sonoma Coast. The 2018 Constant Disruptions offers an elegant balance of spice, fruit, and floral notes.
MY NOTES:
A deep ruby color. The subtle blend of geranium, tangerine skin, and light blueberry highlight the aromatics. A firm mid-palate exhibits hints of tart cherry, hibiscus, and green tea. Ample acidity focuses the elegant finish with touches of black cherry, mineral, and pomegranate seeds.
2018 "ANTIHERO" CABERNET SAUVIGNON
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
THE PLACE & PROCESS:
Grown in the up and coming Napa Valley sub-ava of Coombsville, the Antihero benefits from moderate temperatures provided by San Pablo Bay. The cool environs, combined with a mix of gravely loam and rocky volcanic soils, help create a robust Cabernet Sauvignon with refined tannins, ample acidity and classic Cabernet Sauvignon stylings. The Antihero was fermented with native yeast in used French oak barrels (upright without barrel heads) and in stainless steel tanks. The barrel fermentations provide texture while the stainless ferments provide brightness. Minimal extraction during fermentation was employed to preserve freshness and balance. In barrel, the Antihero was aged without any new oak for ten months to maintain a pure Cabernet Sauvignon profile.
MY NOTES:
Rich aromatics of ripe plum, mocha, cassis and cola burst from the glass. The structured and plush mid-palate is replete with chocolate covered raspberries, espresso bean, currant, and hazelnut notes. A pronounced and elongated finish is highlighted by blackberries, star anise, currant, graphite and a tinge of pine needle.
2017 PAGANI RANCH ZINFANDEL
APPELLATION: Sonoma Valley
THE PLACE & PROCESS:
Century old vines dry farmed and tended meticulously nestled in the heart of Sonoma Valley. This cool speck of gnarled vines produces an opulent Zinfandel at lower brix levels.
MY NOTES:
An enticing and textured old-vine Zinfandel that deftly melds dark fruits and spice. Cassis, huckleberry, and star anise elevate the powerful aromatics. The soft mid-palate unfolds with accents of blackberry, peppercorn, and dark chocolate. A layered finish exhibits broad tannins, juicy acidity and elements of ripe plum, vanilla, and pine needles.
2017 INSTIGATOR PINOT NOIR
APPELLATION: Sonoma Coast
THE PLACE & PROCESS:
True Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir sourced from Freestone to Annapolis. One hundred percent whole cluster fermentation with a mixed selection of clones. Only one gentle pump over or punch down daily for minimal extraction. Fermented at cool temps with native yeast. No new oak and no racking. A transparent, fresh, and vivid expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that conveys the varieties unvarnished essence.
MY NOTES:
A medium ruby color. The subtle blend of light strawberry, underbrush, and cranberry highlight the aromatics. A gentle mid-palate exhibits hints of green tea, tart cherry, and savory spice. Bright acidity focuses the elegant finish with touches of flint, loam, and pomegranate seeds.
2017 DELINQUENT PINOT NOIR
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley
THE PLACE & PROCESS:
Shorter barrel aging, no new oak, and fermented with minimal extraction to allow for an early release. The Delinquent is a versatile wine that coaxes the quixotic essence of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. True to the spirit of Constant Disruptions wines - the Delinquent is convivial, inviting and full of verve!
MY NOTES:
An expressive and lively Pinot Noir. Ripe plum, rose petals, and sage notes highlight the enticing aromatics. A soft, medium weight mid-palate exhibits showy elements of maraschino cherry, cedar, and toffee. The bright finish combines vibrant hints of crushed cranberry, sarsaparilla, and blueberry.
2016 KIRSCHENMANN ZINFANDEL
APPELLATION: Lodi
THE VINES:
Century old head-trained, dry-farmed vines planted in sandstone soils. A mild maritime climate coupled with heritage vines creates a wine of supple balance and heady fruit profile.
MY NOTES:
A fresh and vibrant Zinfandel made for Pinot Noir consumers. The heady mix of crushed raspberries, blueberries, and violets highlight the aromatics. Ample acidity and chalky tannins intermingle with baking spices and brambly fruits in the broad mid-palate. Star anise, red currants and blackberries accentuate a graceful finish.