2020 Carol Shelton Coquille Rouge Central Coast 750 ml

Carol Shelton is a true California winemaking pioneer. Her first vintage making wine was 1978, when she was a newly minted enology grad from UC Davis. 

Now—45 harvests later, and 23 harvests after starting her eponymous winery—she is recognized as one of the most experienced and respected vintners in Sonoma County. She’s a noted Zinfandel specialist who has been awarded Winemaker of the Year five times in her career, most recently by the 2021 Women’s International Wine Competition. 

For a winemaker who trained with André Tchelistcheff at Buena Vista and Peter Lehmann at Saltram in Australia, making an effortlessly fruity, balanced red like Coquille Rouge is like second nature at this point in her career. 

The wine’s scallop-shell motif refers to the Shelton family coat-of-arms. One part Rhône-lookalike, one part California “mixed blacks” blend, this is a stunning cuvée sourced chiefly from ancient, 100+ year old vines in Contra Costa County. The rest comes from Paso Robles & North Coast vineyards. 

This wine is a joy to drink, with aromas of black cherry, plum, and wild raspberry leaping from the glass, accented by lilac, violet, vanilla, and eucalyptus. The mouthfeel is lush and fresh, delivering a healthy dose of fruit and spice with balance and an ample finish. Bring on the smoked duck bánh mì, or even braised lamb.