Mischievously Big and Bold, Single Vineyard Wines from “Dos Gringos Locos”
Winery: The name Travieso in Spanish means naughty and mischievous – which sums up the winery’s risk-taking philosophy of doing things in a big and bold way. This recently transformed “garagiste” winery produces 800 cases a year, started in 2003 by friends, Ray Sliter and Mats Hagström with the goal of making the highest quality single-vineyard, non-interventionist wines. The playful Spanish themes of their wine labels pay tribute to the Spanish-speaking cultural influence in the state of California.
Winemaking: Sourcing fruit from superb single vineyards from varying appellations, the Winery is in the heart of Silicon Valley in Campbell. They use meticulously grown fruit, minimal intervention, open-top fermentation, aged in up to 1/3 to ½ new French oak barrels, and bottle without fining or filtration, intentionally avoiding over-manipulation or “UCDavisized” techniques.
Vineyards: All vineyard contracts are set up by the acre, to allow Travieso control of the vineyard management, minimizing yields and maximizing quality. Travieso utilizes aggressive crop thinning, lowering yields to between 2 and 3 tons per acre, limiting fruit to two or even one cluster per cane to ensure flavor concentration. To create fruit of even ripeness, they painstakingly trim all wings and shoulders off each grape cluster, and perform hand-sorting on the vine prior to hand harvesting. Pallet pricing available on request.
“La Llorona” (Weeping Woman) 2015 White Wine Blend, Sonoma County New Vintage
Winemaker Notes: “This sassy blend of 35% Viognier, 60% Chardonnay and 5% Roussanne opens with pretty scents of a fresh floral bouquet. Lucious texture and long finish on this bold white blend. More luscious and fuller mouthfeel with apple and pear notes, brightened by the 35% Viognier.” “La Llorona” is named for the tragic “weeping woman” of Sonoran Desert legend. Lees-aged in neutral French Oak for a highly aromatic, complex nose. No new oak. 70 cases made.
“Traviesito Red” (the Little Rascal) NV California (lot #5)
Winemaker Notes: “Here’s a perfect barbeque accompaniment; an easy to quaff, smoothly textured blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. A bowl full of fresh boysenberries, black cherries, spiced raspberries and a dash of vanilla are showcased from first whiff through the juicy, mouth filling palate.” Made with no new oak.
GSM Rhone Blend, “El Chupacabras” 2013 (the Goat-Sucker), Santa Barbara County New Vintage Named after the legendary beast “Chupacabras” of Sonoran Desert lore. Winemaker Tasting Notes: “This is a gorgeous blend of the classic Rhone varietals with a dark ruby color and an aroma of blackberry jam on toast. Pure mouth- feel and luscious, smooth body, a fabulous vintage. Great acid-to-fruit balance is followed by a soft and yet somewhat spicy finish.” 50% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre. Made with no new oak. 150 cases made.
Grenache 2014, “El Tonto” Santa Barbara County
Winemaker Notes: “This wine has been confused for a light Pinot Noir in blind tastings. Nice wine to serve chilled on a hot summer day. Light burgundy in color, very much like a young Pinot Noir with fresh cherry notes. Perfect pairing with game or fish. Aged for only one year in neutral French Oak to preserve the vibrant fruit of this varietal.” No new oak. 135 cases.
Sangiovese 2015, Louvau Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, “The Other Program”
New Vintage!
Winemaker Notes: “Dark Ruby color, with smooth, dry, cherry approach and long finish, a very food-friendly vintage.” Made with native yeast, French oak, stressed vines, ruthless yield-reduction and crop-thinning (1.5 tons/acre), and harvested from one row of vines that runs the full length of the vineyard. No herbicides or pesticides are sprayed in this vineyard. Native yeast fermented. Made with no new oak. 70 cases made.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2014,“El Rey(the King), Louvau Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley New Vintage!
Winemaker Notes: “Aromas of black currants and subtle oak nuances entice the senses. A solid backbone of tannins supports rich flavors of blackberries, cassis, a hint of mint and classic Dry Creek spice on the velvety palate that linger through the elegant finish.” From the same vineyard that also supplies Cabernet for Chateau St. Jean’s ‘Cinq Cepages’ in the warm Dry Creek Valley, it yields a low 2.5 to 3 tons an acre, and is never sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. 24 months in 25% New French oak barrels. 90 cases.
Syrah 2014, Fairview Road Ranch (Kirk William’s Vineyard), SLH “Amaranta” New Vintage!
Winemaker Notes: “Big blackberry fruit and dark berries at the core, offering a fruit essence with hints of black licorice and spice on the juicy finish.” “Amaranta” – from (Latin) meaning “unfading color.” Robert Parker calls it a “bigger than life style of Syrah.” From the same Syrah clone, vine-spacing and similar soil to the adjacent Garys’ Vineyard. Dark and dangerously appealing. 90 cases.
