Tasting Notes: An energetic and zippy Rosé, this wine displays the mineral, ocean-like saltiness and vibrancy that we love from this dry-farmed, old-vine Carignan. Hints of watermelon rind, green strawberry, and slate keep the wine delicately fresh, with the fruit concentration and high natural acidity of Feliz Creek Vineyard adding to the wine’s overall balance, further elevating its complexity.

Vineyard: Feliz Creek Vineyard - Hopland, Mendocino County AVA
In a protected, tucked-away pocket of Hopland sits Feliz Creek Vineyard, which is owned by Wendy Fetzer. Comprised of organic, head-trained Carignan vines originally planted in 1908, this is a cooler site in a warm area. Because the vineyard is dry farmed, the vines have developed deep root systems, which result in low yields and allow the fruit to achieve intense, concentrated flavor at low Brix. Feliz Creek Vineyard produces a delicious and restrained expression of Carignan, which we find perfect for Rosé.

Winemaking: Direct to press. Whole-cluster pressed. Fermented with native yeast in stainless steel at cool temperatures to preserve the freshness and aromatics.

Vintage: A cold spring was followed by a warm summer season, which allowed the grapevines to catch up to a more typical ripening timeline. The weather during harvest was mild with even temperatures, allowing us to pick the grapes at optimal maturity. The 2024 vintage overall is marked by excellent quality, higher acidity, and nice concentration.

Technical Details:
Composition: 100% Carignan
pH: 3.15
TA: 8.4 g/L
Brix at harvest: 21.5
Alcohol: 13.3%
96 cases produced

Forbes
"Provence meets the American West in the Minus Tide Carignan Rosé, 2024, California. Whole cluster pressed and fermented with native yeast, this succulent rose brims with bright fresh strawberry and watermelon notes. Just yum with any 4th of July picnic."

93 Points - Decanter
"Fresh brilliance from this rosé of Carignan from one of Mendocino County's consistently top producers. This is a special site, planted in 1908, to these now noble, head trained Carignan vines, that produce an elegant crisp rosé. Aromatics of cut rhubarb, salted watermelon and zesty seaspray lead to a palate of crisp green strawberries, white pepper and early season raspberries. Completely delicious."

92 Points - The Tasting Panel
"Miriam and Brad Jonas, along with Kyle Jeffrey, have released this special fresh performance rosé with its crackling acidity and salty attitude. From its earthy nose, aromas of crushed stone and apricot pith preview its linear nature. Peaches, baked apple, allspice, and just picked underripe strawberry line up for attention on the palate. The fruit is picked from the oldest site off this dry-farmed, head-trained, organic vineyard, aged upwards of 116 years."

Forbes
"Deep red-fruit expression elevated by minty/menthol herbal undertow. Tart and fresh but with structure. Made from old vines. Goes with anything on the table, so don’t hold back."

Around 9/10 Points - Vinography
"The folks at Minus Tide Wines have been very diligent about sending me their newest releases, and I’ve enjoyed watching this small Mendocino-based project evolve. Their Carignan-based rosé is quite delicious and snappy. A pale coppery ruby in color, this wine smells of chopped herbs, forest berries, and wet chalkboard. In the mouth, crisp and saline flavors of red apple skin, sour cherry, chopped herbs, and crushed rocks have a zippy vibrancy thanks to excellent acidity. Extremely tasty."

Dame Wine
"Minus Tide Wines is owned by three passionate friends, two are married, who seek out very special vineyards in Mendocino County, California, that are uniquely distinctive and make small batched wines from these incredible plots. Below is a Carignan Rosé from organic, head-trained vines originally planted in 1908.

2024 Minus Tide, Carignan Rosé, Feliz Creek Vineyard: 100% Carignan. The nose evokes fantasies of tiny, intensely flavorful strawberries with a hint of crushed rose petal and saline minerality with vibrant white cherries, fresh sage leaf and river stones on the palate creating an overall crisp and complex rosé."