“Dolcetto is grown almost exclusively in northwest Italy’s Piedmont region, despite increasing interest in the grape from the US… sippers with expressive cherry, berry, and plum notes supported by hints of herb and spice. In some cases, winemakers strive for reds with greater concentration and structure.” – Wine Spectator

Bingo! Our first Discovery Day of 2025!

Trust your Agents of Wine! We’re leading you to the promised land - if that land is like something out of Willy Wonka’s dreams. Where wine waterfalls “overflowing with fruit” (per the glowing Wine Enthusiast review below) replace the chocolate ones, chocolate-covered strawberries sprout from the ground, and orbs of Bubbleyum lazily float by in the breeze.

Yes, it’s time for a CARBONIC red.

But one unlike any of those indistinct Beaujolais you’ve had.

This comes from a huge fan-favorite, Meeker! Meeker is the ultimate boutique address in the idyllic Sonoma countryside. They’ve been making wine since 1984 and today it’s a multi-generational family affair. Lucas Meeker grew up at the winery, and learned the ropes from his father, growing up with terroir in his blood.

These Meeker side-projects of theirs align perfectly with our vision of experimenting, evolving, and most importantly broadening our horizons. This one comes from their “Hone” series, where they follow their “history of exploration and discovery” which is exactly what we’re aiming for!

Now, most carbonic reds are from Beaujolais. And are made from Gamay.

But this? It comes from Mendo. And Meeker chose an Italian grape, Dolcetto.

The result?

Delightfully fruity, but with deeper color and more body than a typical Bojo-style carbonic. You won’t find much of that bubblegum and banana runts flavor here. This is their third carbonic wine, compared to most typical carbonic reds, it packs more punch, extraction, and a deeper mid-palate. It’s fresh while centered around darker red and black fruit flavors - a joyous core of overripe strawberries, raspberries, and wild blackberries served up front, with gentle spices and minerality around the back. All wrapped in friendly tannins and bolstered with terrific acidity.

These wines won’t be repeated, and who knows what the next vintage will bring. But this right here is a juicy little gift for your tastebuds. And at about HALF OFF, it’s a gift for your wallet, too.

90 Points – Wine Enthusiast “Very fresh and overflowing with fruit flavors, this medium-bodied wine made by carbonic fermentation boasts raspberry, blackberry, and wild sage aromas followed by tangy raspberry and cranberry flavors, all braced by lively acidity and light tannins.”