The Vaccarese might be the most exciting wine in the lineup- not just because this is a very rare and obscure variety. The grape originates in Southern Rhone where today there remains a measly 10 acres planted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Much to our good fortune a small amount was planted in the Old Oak Vineyard in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. Only 72 cases of this wine were made and we managed to claim just half a case. Old Oak Vineyard sits at 1300 ft elevation and the influence of this high-altitude site makes this wine feel like Mondeuse from the Savoie. Intensely earthy notes of fresh soil granite and dried violets give way to fresh purple plum skins and blackberry. Lovely velvety tannins give structure to this lighter-bodied red (12.5% ABV) that will make the perfect summer wine to sip around a campfire. – –