2023 Ojo de Perdiz Rosé, Cole Ranch Vineyard, Cole Ranch

Small, but mighty.

At less than 1/4 square mile, the Cole Ranch AVA is the smallest appellation in the United States. It is located between the Russian River and Anderson Valley at elevations ranging from 1400-1600 feet. Surround by forested hills, it is unique for its terrarium-like setting and late ripening relative to neighboring Ukiah. This 55-acre vineyard was originally planted in 1971 by John Cole, but is now owned by Mike Lucia & Jill Shadek who are farming it organically. Our Ojo Rose--long without a perennial home--has finally settled in this majestic little valley. We picked out 1.74 tons of Pinot Noir (82%) and .37 tons (18%) of Chardonnay on the morning of Sept 25. The fruit was gently crushed and sent direct-to-press. It was co-fermented on wild yeasts in neutral French oak. The 2023 Ojo will be a suitable dance partner for the warmer months ahead. It’s a snappy, copper-colored wine that smells like white peaches, tangerines, and wet stone, and has complex flavors that keep you returning to the glass---is that pickled strawberry, chervil, Rainer cherry, saffron?

If you're interested in an allocation or joining our wine club to have access to these wines, please contact us at info@liocowine.com.