Linne Calodo, Contrarian, Paso Robles, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Founded in 1998 by Matt and Maureen Trevisan, Linne Calodo's name is synonymous with a bold, innovative approach to winemaking that embraces the Paso Robles appellation and eschews the rigid traditions of the past. You might say Matt's winemaking style is a perfect blend of art, science, passion, and talent, with years of experience for good measure. Linne Calodo produces seven to ten exclusive blends per year using rich, lush varietals from the Willow Creek District. The vineyards are farmed sustainably and the crop loads reflect the natural balance of the vine. By harvesting at peak ripeness, Linne Calodo produces wines that are rich and concentrated in both flavor and texture, with a lush, full-bodied mouthfeel. Even the most ardent words of admiration fail to do Matt's artistry justice, but allow us to try: beauty may madden the soul like wine, but wines from Linne Calodo enchant the senses like beauty.

Linne Calodo's name pays homage to the rich soils in the esteemed Paso Robles Willow Creek District. The team grows grapes, makes wines and fosters an environment that shies away from traditional, rigid and archetypal industry norms. Studying biochemistry at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and working his way up at area wineries, Matt's winemaking style is a healthy balance of art and science. Linne Calodo produces seven to ten blends per year using a myriad of varietals: Rhone, Zinfandel, as well as other esoteric varietals from around the world.

The Linne Calodo wines are driven by four factors: vineyard location, uncompromising viticultural practices, minimalist winemaking, and the desire to learn from experience. The vineyards are farmed sustainably and the crop loads reflect the natural balance of the vine. The Linne Calodo team believes in harvesting at the peak of ripeness to produce wines that are rich and concentrated in both flavor and texture. You are encouraged to visit!

Grape / Blend
47% Grenache Blanc, 35% Viognier and 18% Picpoul Blanc

Origin
Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Aromas of white peach, pear and tropical fruit with impressions of white flowers and citrus. Crunchy acidity gains a creamy touch on the midpalate with flavors of guava, honeycrisp apple and lemon-lime. Hints of ocean salinity linger on a lively finish.

The 2022 vintage comes predominantly from two Linne Calodo estate parcels planted specifically for the Contrarian program in 2008—a one-acre block of Grenache Blanc and a half acre of Picpoul Blanc. The balance of the wine comes from a half-acre block of Viognier from our estate Stonethrower Vineyard. Both of these Willow Creek District estates are located just 10 miles from the ocean as the crow flies, at elevations of 1,150 and 1,350 feet respectively. These westside coastal mountain terroirs are in the path of daily marine breezes that coax bright flavors from the white grapes while maintaining high acidity and natural structure. This allows for a full-flavored wine at lower alcohol levels.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Starting with his white, the lightly hued 2022 Contrarian clocks in as 47% Grenache Blanc, 35% Viognier, and 18% Picpoul Blanc. It has crisp, classy aromatics of tart pineapple, lemon blossom, and honeyed white flowers to go with a medium-bodied, vibrant, incredibly refreshing style on the palate. This is one impressive and undeniably delicious white to enjoy over the coming 2-3 years.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Contrarian wafts up with a remarkably pretty and perfumed blend of crushed peach, nectarine, chamomile and mint aromas. This opens with a balanced inner sweetness giving way to green melon and spice notes energized by zesty acidity. The 2022 finishes crisp and potent, with a tart green apple tension seaming to linger for well up to a minute. The Contrarian is a blend of 47% Grenache Blanc and 35% Viognier matured for five months in concrete eggs.

Product size: 750ml