Linne Calodo : Sticks and Stones 2015

Characteristics and tasting tips for Sticks and Stones 2015 by Linne Calodo

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a brilliant ruby hue, enhanced by garnet highlights.

Nose

The bouquet opens with intense aromas of wild strawberries, accompanied by notes of raspberry and rosewater. Spicy hints of cinnamon and indulgent nuances of crème brûlée and molasses complete this complex aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds with a silky, enveloping texture. Flavors of fresh strawberries and raspberries dominate, supported by medium-grained tannins that gradually soften. Vibrant acidity provides structure and freshness, while the lingering finish reveals notes of almond and black cherry. Over time, tertiary aromas of truffle and leather should emerge.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs perfectly with game meats such as wild boar or venison. It also elegantly accompanies braised lamb with garden herbs, crispy chicken thighs with a creamy black garlic sauce, or a chicken tagine with artichokes and Moroccan spices. Barbecue preparations, whether sweet or spicy, also make excellent pairings. For a lighter option, a niçoise salad or crab toasts will pair harmoniously with this wine. Finally, an aged Manchego will reveal its full complexity.

Serving and storage

It is recommended to decant the Sticks and Stones 2015 before serving to fully release its aromas and soften its tannic structure.

A Paso Robles blend true to the spirit of the Côtes du Rhône

The estate

Founded in 1998 by Matt Trevisan and Justin Smith, Linne Calodo has established itself as a benchmark for Rhône-style blends in California. Located in the Willow Creek District on the western side of Paso Robles, the estate now spans 54 hectares of vines. Matt Trevisan, owner and winemaker, has been running the property with his wife Maureen since 2001. The estate stands out for its "nature-positive" farming philosophy, drawing inspiration from organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices without adhering to any formal certification. Linne Calodo has built a solid reputation through its limited-production blends, prioritizing quality and terroir expression.

The vineyard

The Sticks and Stones 2015 comes exclusively from the west and north Grenache blocks of the Linne Calodo estate, located in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. This area benefits from a strong maritime influence, situated only ten to eleven miles from the Pacific Ocean. The vines are planted between 1,030 and 1,050 feet in elevation on calcareous soils of the Linne Calodo series, composed of marine shales, mudstones, and sandstones from the Monterey Formation. These alkaline, shallow, and well-drained soils impart a pronounced natural acidity and distinctive minerality to the wines. The cool climate and frequent fog extend grape ripening by two to three weeks compared to other areas of Paso Robles, fostering the development of complex aromas while preserving freshness.

The vintage

The 2015 vintage is part of a series of three years marked by drought in California. Yields were considerably reduced, with a fifty percent drop for Syrah in particular. Despite these challenging conditions, the grapes reached optimal ripeness with exceptional concentration. This year of water stress produced wines of remarkable intensity, reflecting the vine's struggle and the resilience of the terroir.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Sticks and Stones 2015 were fermented in concrete and stainless steel tanks, with 20% whole bunches. After fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak puncheons and a 3,000-liter foudre. These large-format vessels allow for gentle aging, preserving the expression of fruit and terroir without imparting excessive oak influence. The aging period lasted approximately twenty months.

Grape varieties

Grenache (68%)
Mourvèdre (17%)
Syrah (10%)
Cinsault (5%)