Darling James Creek Vineyard Gamay 2023
We have 5 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
Nestled in the heart of the fertile Sonoma Valley, Darling James Creek Vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate perfect for cultivating Gamay Noir. The vineyard's well-drained loamy soils, combined with cool evening breezes and warm daytime temperatures, create ideal conditions for this delicate grape. This terroir imbues the wine with a vibrant freshness and a distinct sense of place, reflective of the lush and varied landscape of the region.
The Wine
This is the first-ever Gamay Noir from Darling Wines, Gamay originates from the Beaujolais region of southeast France. Gamay is a grape that the winemakers fell in love with, inspiring them to embark on their winemaking journey. This wine captures the playful spirit of Gamay, reminiscent of their Pinot Noir but even lighter and more whimsical. This summer's go-to chillable red bursts with flavors of red jolly rancher, candied cherries, and pressed flowers. The palate is juicy and crazily refreshing, evoking a sense of delight with every sip. Notes of candied strawberry, rosewater, and baby sage add layers of complexity, making it one of our favorite summer reds!
Their Gamay undergoes a unique fermentation process with 75% carbonic maceration and 25% partial carbonic maceration, using native yeasts to enhance its lively character. After fermenting, the wine is aged for six months in neutral French oak, which imparts subtle nuances without overpowering its inherent fruitiness. Unfined and unfiltered, this wine retains its natural vibrancy and clarity.
The People
Darling Wines was launched in 2017 by Tom and Ashley Darling with two barrels of Syrah. Their approach to winemaking is hands-on and heartfelt, focusing on minimal intervention to let the true character of the grape shine through. We believe this 2023 vintage is one of the best Gamays we’ve encountered outside of France and are thrilled to share it with our wine club. Enjoy it chilled, and let it fill you with joy from every sip!
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
Weather shipping advisory: Orders placed during times of extreme heat or extreme cold will be held for no charge until more favorable weather returns.
Sonoma County, located west of Napa Valley and stretching to the Pacific Ocean, is a large and diverse wine region in California. With a history of winemaking dating back to the 19th century, Sonoma's varied terroir allows it to grow grapes in multiple places throughout the region. Bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west, the county encompasses a range of climates and soils. The Russian River Valley, known for its cool climate influenced by fog, is acclaimed for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Alexander Valley, further inland and warmer, excels with Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sonoma Coast, a region directly influenced by the Pacific's cool breezes and fog, is gaining recognition for elegant, cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This diverse landscape provides the fruit for an array of styles.
California - Sonoma County
A red wine grape most associated with Beaujolais, Gamay makes fresh, fruity red wines with berry and violet aromas. It is grown around the world outside of France where it is often a darker and less tannic cousin to Pinot Noir in cool climate regions such as Oregon and Victoria.
