Broc Cellars 'La Boutanche' Red Blend 1L 2023

Press 4 Mix/Red • August 2024 Direct Press Selection

Chris Brockway, originally from Omaha, learned winemaking at UC Davis and Cal State Fresno, where he learned how to add all the things to wine that he insists on not adding to his own wines at Broc Cellars in Berkeley. His wife and business partner Bridget Leary grew up in Berekely where her mom had a café and Bridget helped her open a wine bar. When she met Chris she had no idea anyone was actually making wine in Berkeley. Now she and Chris are making some of the most exciting wines in California in their Berkeley cellar. They have come to define the 'new wave' of California winemaking with wines that pull back on overripe gobs of fruit, alcohol, and instead put freshness and finesse at the forefont. 

Their 'La Boutanche' collaboration with Selection Massale is 100% ZInfandel that looks back to a style that was more common in the 1970s and 1980s. It's sourced from Wirth Ranch in Solano County, Arrowhead Mountain in Sonoma Valley, and Buck Hill Vineyard in eastern Sonoma County. Grapes are destemmed and aged for nine months in neutral French oak. It shows off red plum, vanilla, coriander, and cherry cordial with fresh, vivid, brightness. Cranberry and pomegranate notes on the finish are matched with just a touch of crunchy tannins. It's stupdendously delicious with a chill and though it certainly matches the vibe of the badger taking a selfie on the label, it belies the detail, precision and depth that wines of far more solemn presentation would love to possess. Broc, by the way, in Scottish Gaelic, means badger, hence the choice of critter on their label.  Jonathan Kemp