The only white produced and a beauty, the 2011 The Contrarian is made from 57% Grenache Blanc, 27% Picpoul and the balance Viognier. Whole cluster pressed and aged all in concrete, it gives up beautiful stone fruits, citrus peel and chalky minerality to go with a clean, balanced and richly textured profile on the palate. I love it for its purity and depth. It will be versatile on the dinner table and have 1-3 years of prime drinking. Drink now-2016.
This was a fantastic lineup of wines by proprietor Matt Trevisan and all of the current releases have brilliant purity of fruit and a lively, energetic feel without ever coming across as lean. Blends are the rule here and these are character-filled efforts that could come from nowhere else. Highly recommended.
Tel (805) 227-0797; www.linnecalodo.com