This is the first time the “Nue Wilde” winery has graced our platform. Proprietor and winemaker, Ben Herod is a one-man show specializing in single varietal and single-vineyard wines. All wines are 100% wild, naturally fermented to further enhance the natural environment that the grape is grown in. Ben’s minimalistic approach pays off in spades, allowing for the wine to illustrate a sense of place. We were extremely pleased with his new release Sauvignon Blanc and Russian River Pinot Noir for their quality in relation to their affordable price. The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the Luchsinger Vineyard outside of Kelseyville in Lake County. Its unique micro-climate and soil composition of volcanic rock and ancient calcium-rich shells add the crushed minerality that really makes this wine stand out in a crowd of North Coast Sauvignons. Ben picked the fruit at low sugar levels at harvest to ensure a light, crisp wine without the need for additions or intervention.

This wine is electric and ready for consumption. Its bright, forward tropical fruit theme is contrasted by subtle cut grass, tarragon, and floral notes. The palate is light and refreshing with acidity. Ben opted for extended skin contact in the tank fermentation process to provide a creamy texture on the back end with hints of crushed rocks and mineral cut on the
finish. A tremendous find that you’ll be hard-pressed to find in the marketplace. Bring on the cracked crab or fish tacos!