Linne Calodo : Sticks and Stones 2017

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Sticks and Stones 2017 from Linne Calodo

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a brilliant ruby hue, revealing magnificent black, blue and red reflections that attest to remarkable fruit concentration and balanced phenolic ripeness.

Nose
The nose opens with a captivating bouquet of ripe black strawberries accompanied by iron-rich mineral notes. Aromas of leather and subtle hints of black tea complete this complex aromatic expression. With aeration, the bouquet evolves toward nuances of ground pepper, delicate floral notes and earthy tones.

Palate
On the palate, this wine stands out for its generous body while maintaining remarkable elegance. The tannins are soft and silky, offering a polished texture that reflects masterful aging. The vibrant acidity perfectly balances the tannic structure, creating a harmonious architecture. The lingering finish reveals aromas of earth, chaparral and brown sugar, gradually replacing the initial fruit notes with more evolved tertiary flavors.

Food and wine pairings

The Sticks and Stones 2017 is an ideal match for herb-crusted lamb, where its mineral notes and Grenache-dominant character complement the richness of the meat. It also pairs beautifully with duck breast in cherry sauce, crispy chicken thighs with black garlic cream or roasted feathered game with herbs. Braised preparations such as lamb with garden herbs, slow-cooked dishes like cassoulet or wild mushroom risotto highlight its earthy characteristics. A board of aged charcuterie, cured pork products and marinated vegetables also makes an excellent accompaniment. Creamy cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin, aged Manchego or intense blue cheeses pair harmoniously with its tannic structure and mineral profile.

Serving and storage

It is recommended to serve the Sticks and Stones 2017 at a temperature between 61 and 64°F. Decanting for one to two hours or serving in large glasses that allow proper oxygenation will fully reveal its aromatic complexity. The wine continues to evolve favorably for several hours after opening.

Other characteristics

This wine displays a remarkable balance between power and finesse, with a pronounced mineral structure that forms the foundation of its aging potential. The 15-month aging in concrete tanks and French oak foudres has developed aromatic complexity without masking the fruit expression.

An elegant and mineral Grenache from Paso Robles by Linne Calodo

The estate

Founded in 1998 by Matt Trevisan and Justin Smith, Linne Calodo has established itself as a pioneering estate in Paso Robles. Now led by Matt and Maureen Trevisan, the estate spans 54 hectares of estate-owned vines in the Willow Creek District of California. Matt Trevisan, named Winemaker of the Year for San Luis Obispo County in 2023, has revolutionized the perception of California blends by championing Rhône-style cuvées. The estate is distinguished by its "nature-positive" viticultural philosophy, favoring manual practices, no-till farming and sheep grazing for cover crop management, while forgoing standardized certifications in favor of a personalized approach to terroir.

The vineyard

The Sticks and Stones 2017 comes from vineyards in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, located approximately ten miles from the Pacific Ocean. This mountainous area of the Santa Lucia Range benefits from a cool climate. The vines are planted on shallow limestone soils derived from Monterey marine formations, composed of schist, limestone and marl. The pronounced maritime influence, with regular fog and a daily temperature range of 20 to 30°F, allows for slow, progressive ripening. The Linne Calodo estate vines occupy elevations between 1,030 and 1,348 feet, while the Stonethrower vineyard reaches up to 1,348 feet. This diversity of exposures and elevations offers a range of microclimates harnessed to create complex blends.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage in Paso Robles began with favorable conditions during flowering and fruit set, followed by a very hot period during berry development that affected fruit growth. Mid-September brought more moderate temperatures, allowing progressive ripening that preserved vine balance and promoted grape quality. The long ripening season characteristic of Paso Robles enabled optimal aromatic development despite the heat challenges. Yields were slightly below average while maintaining sought-after qualitative characteristics, creating conditions conducive to producing concentrated and expressive California wines.

Winemaking and aging

The Sticks and Stones 2017 was aged for 15 months in a combination of concrete tanks and French oak foudres. This approach reflects Linne Calodo's minimalist philosophy, favoring natural fermentations with indigenous yeasts and limited interventions. The concrete tanks promote mineral expression while avoiding the masking influence of wood, while the large-format foudres contribute subtle tannic structure and allow progressive micro-oxygenation without imparting pronounced oak notes. This diversity of vessels provides the winemaker with different aging profiles to compose a balanced and complex final blend.

Grape varieties

Grenache (71%)
Syrah (22%)
Mourvèdre (7%)