Martha Stoumen ‘Post Flirtation’

Martha Stoumen ‘Post Flirtation’ – a quaffer that Mimi, Fifi and Glou Glou would find sumptuously charming. This blend of Carignan (65%) and Zinfandel (35%) drinks with tireless ease and understated expression. The former was planted in 1948, the latter in 1960 and both are head-trained and dry-farmed vines. It should be noted that they are grown on pure sand- these are wind-swept, surfing vines, being raised in absolute Eunoia. Harbouring a tingling freshness, this thirst-quenching red sets one’s palette ablaze with zippy notes of raspberry and cranberry. Arriving briskly in lieu are curious aromas of hibiscus tea, poached rhubarb and a fleeting hint of red liquorice. With a more pungent viridity than a florists’ in full-bloom, this is an excitable wine, certain to incite vigorous and passionate conversation.

Additionally, the grapes are manually harvested and de-stemmed prior to six months of ageing in stainless steel. Astonishingly, this is a one-woman show. Martha Stoumen is solely responsible for the entirety of the viticultural processes although she accepts help from multi-generation farmers. They comprehend their land and their soils better than anyone and Stoumen acknowledges and respects that; they inevitably share her philosophies. She chooses to work with sun-loving grapes that flourish elegantly in the Californian warmth. Utilising traditional practices that she learned during a series of French and Italian apprenticeships, she ensures that healthy ecosystems are maintained on her vineyards.

Martha Stoumen ‘Post Flirtation’ – dizzyingly energetic and wondrously zingy. This unadulterated energy stems from patient farming methods and unwavering philosophies. Synthetic fertilisers and pesticides are not incorporated and slow pruning increases vine longevity. “Above all, I strive to make wines that are delicious, joyful, and truly representative of California.” Martha Stoumen