Featured in the San Francisco Chronicle April 2020. Our 6th release of Vermentino (also known as Rolle in France), comes from a new Biodynamic vineyard in Lodi. This wine has become one of our personal favorites; fresh and gulpable, mouthwatering acidity, with a nice weight and texture that belies the low alcohol. Layered with honeysuckle and peach – it’s highly enjoyable with or without food, but scrumptious with all things fried, spicy, and salty or a perfect apéritif. It’s hard not to finish the bottle!
Vineyard Notes
In 2022 we had to change vineyards, as the one in Dunnigan Hills was ripped out and replanted, due to red blotch. We were lucky enough to find the Bench Vineyard in Lodi, which unbeknownst to us is where peers like Martha Stoumen, Pax and others also source. This is our first certified Biodynamic vineyard. A rare find in California, with ~120 acres planted in total, Vermentino is rapidly gaining in popularity as variety well suited to the Mediterranean climate. The vineyard has several blocks at different elevations, planted in fine-grained, sandy granite and tufa soils, with temperature moderated by the ‘Golden Gate Wind Gap’.
Winemaking Notes
This vintage is a little riper and rounder than our normal Vermentino, which is a reflection of the extended Labor Day heat wave we went through. It still has great zippy freshness, and does not require as much bottle aging to be ready for release. The grapes are destemmed and well crushed, to maximize skin contact, and remain on the skins 2-4 hours. They are then pressed directly to fermentation vessels without settling and remain on the heavy lees for 5 months. Primary fermentation occurs naturally with no additions, indigenous yeast, and native Malolactic, 50% in stainless steel barrels for freshness, and 50% in neutral barrels for texture and complexity. Total elevage is 6 months, racked twice, then blended together for March bottling, with no fining, filtration, or additions other than a small amount of SO2.
Two Shepherds is the labor of passion founded by William Allen, well known Rhône enthusiast and former wine blogger. William was a garagiste for years before moving into commercial production in 2010. Two Shepherds started as a one-person micro winery in 2010. In 2015, William was joined by his partner Karen Daenen, a wine industry veteran, and head of consumer research for a multi-brand winery, as they moved into their own production facility in Windsor. William focuses on day-to-day wine making while Karen, the Chief Shepherdess, runs foot stomping, blending trials, marketing, accounting, design and other key elements to the business.
A bottle of wine should present a story to its consumer: a story of that year in the vineyard. Since every year is unique, that bottle should present the distinct vintage in the glass, as no two vintages are alike. The artisanship and quality of wine is hindered by excessive manipulation, attempts to over-correct vineyard decisions and Mother Nature, as well as manual intervention to maximize every aspect of the wine. The process of wine making occurs naturally, and as a wine maker, Two Shepherds role is to guide it along, protect it from harm, and otherwise not intervene. All of our wines are aged in used, neutral barrels (yes – even the reds) that impart no oak characteristics, but subtly enhance the wines’ texture, mouth feel, and flavor concentration.
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 Two Shepherds Vermentino - $50 = 27.76%
Got the UPS 21+ package notification last Wednesday, just after receiving the last 2 Jakes mystery case. What a nice surprise! I thought I was soon going to be asked to opt out of labratting over the holidays since I’ll be out of the country for part of them.
The box arrived happily and inside I saw the bottle and a new casemates glass (almost missed the glass last time)! Would have loved a trucker hat or corkscrew like what came with the E11even, but alas beggars, choosers they cannot be. Gave the bottle a closeup scan and looking at the label I remarked to myself the logo cleverly silhouetted a sheep and a second sheep from the negative space, with an attribution for the art to Amy Noonan (surely not the same as Qveen Herby, rapping sloth from Rio 2?).
The bottle spent the remainder of its virgin days over the weekend in my garage storage space at around 50°. After a spouse company holiday Friday night and humbling recovery Saturday, I nearly forgot about my contractual duties. So past noon on Sunday I opened the now semi-chilled bottle with the aid of a little more-than-anticipated elbow grease, unsheathed the cork and greeted aromas of apple and lemon.
Once in the glass, the product appeared very light straw yellow in color, nearly clear. A very light bodied white once tasted revealed little in its early exposure. The tasting partner spouse found it “bland,” later adding “a little tart” (we are typically bold red drinkers). At my best detection to discern subtle notes, I found apricot and apple-melon sort of there. After resting in the warmer room temperature for an hour or so, the flavors became more apparent to both of us, as well as a touch of sweetness that really just made the fruit more obvious. I still wanted to say there was apricot or mango, some soft butter, and honeydew, maybe even a hint of rosemary. Very much an easy drinker especially at lower temps.
Alongside some food you’d think it wouldn’t stand up, but was perfectly fine with a snack of both buttery and salty popcorn, as well as lightly salted nuts and its subtle flavors feel like they’d disappear but do remain without getting in the way. We had fairly rare backstrap of venison with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for dinner, and it was just as fine I’d say (although with a filet-type meat I did also reach for some red to accompany).
For the TL;DR- light, easy-to-gulp, white wine fan pleaser – an interesting varietal I’d not known before now. Clean and unfussy, all around good quality white I’d be feel fine to serve (or even drink myself were I out of reds, haha) $10-15 per bottle would be an absolute solid deal. Thanks Alice, Winedavid, WCC, CM for the chance to review!
Day 2 update: left the bottle overnight back where I originally stored it (I don’t typically refrigerate wines much anymore). Flavor is definitely there, ignoring the cool temperature. Got a mouthful of mango and melon right away. Also has a smooth mouthfeel that was starting as it warmed yesterday. Seems to have held up well. Think I even picked up the honeysuckle as from the bottle and @jml326
As far as aperitif, to be honest I had google what that meant, but it must be true as I am starting to feel hungry
I’m up.
This time I’m happy to share Two Shepherds Vermentino.
Personally I can’t say I’ve purchased this grape variety before. It is a light-skinned wine grape variety, primarily found in Italian wine. As per the back label these are a biodynamic rare variety.
Very light straw color, with a very strong sour green apple on the nose.
I agree with the back label just breathing in the aroma makes my mouth water.
First taste is kind of muted. I do get the high acid and hints of honeysuckle. Lingering flavors of gravel and salt. At about 48 degrees maybe it’s too cold. Let’s let it sit.
Letting it warm to maybe 54-56 I’m getting slight sour apple, “fats”, and heavy minerals.
It’s easy drinking, low alcohol, and could be chugged with little fight.
It’s too bad William isn’t around to ‘talk up’ his wines. He’s fantastic and him and Karen are crafting some unique wines indeed. A little ‘outside the box’ for some but I dig them. Cheers!
2022 Two Shepherds Vermentino, The Bench, Lodi
Tasting Notes
Vineyard Notes
Winemaking Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $324/case MSRP
About The Winery
Old World, Minimalist, Natural, Small Lots
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, Dec 26
2022 Two Shepherds Vermentino
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $129.99 $10.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@WineDavid49 this really makes me want to see Acquiesce in these pages!
@klezman
One of the few clubs I remain in after our RPM tour visit there.
@rjquillin I should get one of your shipments when you feel like you’ve got too much wine
@klezman great producer indeed!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 Two Shepherds Vermentino - $50 = 27.76%
2022 Two Shepherds Vermentino
Got the UPS 21+ package notification last Wednesday, just after receiving the last 2 Jakes mystery case. What a nice surprise! I thought I was soon going to be asked to opt out of labratting over the holidays since I’ll be out of the country for part of them.
The box arrived happily and inside I saw the bottle and a new casemates glass (almost missed the glass last time)! Would have loved a trucker hat or corkscrew like what came with the E11even, but alas beggars, choosers they cannot be. Gave the bottle a closeup scan and looking at the label I remarked to myself the logo cleverly silhouetted a sheep and a second sheep from the negative space, with an attribution for the art to Amy Noonan (surely not the same as Qveen Herby, rapping sloth from Rio 2?).
The bottle spent the remainder of its virgin days over the weekend in my garage storage space at around 50°. After a spouse company holiday Friday night and humbling recovery Saturday, I nearly forgot about my contractual duties. So past noon on Sunday I opened the now semi-chilled bottle with the aid of a little more-than-anticipated elbow grease, unsheathed the cork and greeted aromas of apple and lemon.
Once in the glass, the product appeared very light straw yellow in color, nearly clear. A very light bodied white once tasted revealed little in its early exposure. The tasting partner spouse found it “bland,” later adding “a little tart” (we are typically bold red drinkers). At my best detection to discern subtle notes, I found apricot and apple-melon sort of there. After resting in the warmer room temperature for an hour or so, the flavors became more apparent to both of us, as well as a touch of sweetness that really just made the fruit more obvious. I still wanted to say there was apricot or mango, some soft butter, and honeydew, maybe even a hint of rosemary. Very much an easy drinker especially at lower temps.
Alongside some food you’d think it wouldn’t stand up, but was perfectly fine with a snack of both buttery and salty popcorn, as well as lightly salted nuts and its subtle flavors feel like they’d disappear but do remain without getting in the way. We had fairly rare backstrap of venison with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for dinner, and it was just as fine I’d say (although with a filet-type meat I did also reach for some red to accompany).
For the TL;DR- light, easy-to-gulp, white wine fan pleaser – an interesting varietal I’d not known before now. Clean and unfussy, all around good quality white I’d be feel fine to serve (or even drink myself were I out of reds, haha) $10-15 per bottle would be an absolute solid deal. Thanks Alice, Winedavid, WCC, CM for the chance to review!
Day 2 update: left the bottle overnight back where I originally stored it (I don’t typically refrigerate wines much anymore). Flavor is definitely there, ignoring the cool temperature. Got a mouthful of mango and melon right away. Also has a smooth mouthfeel that was starting as it warmed yesterday. Seems to have held up well. Think I even picked up the honeysuckle as from the bottle and @jml326
As far as aperitif, to be honest I had google what that meant, but it must be true as I am starting to feel hungry
I’m up.
This time I’m happy to share Two Shepherds Vermentino.
Personally I can’t say I’ve purchased this grape variety before. It is a light-skinned wine grape variety, primarily found in Italian wine. As per the back label these are a biodynamic rare variety.
Very light straw color, with a very strong sour green apple on the nose.
I agree with the back label just breathing in the aroma makes my mouth water.
First taste is kind of muted. I do get the high acid and hints of honeysuckle. Lingering flavors of gravel and salt. At about 48 degrees maybe it’s too cold. Let’s let it sit.
Letting it warm to maybe 54-56 I’m getting slight sour apple, “fats”, and heavy minerals.
It’s easy drinking, low alcohol, and could be chugged with little fight.
Couple years old or so, but a wineberserkers note, from grape-nutz.com, about the winery here
grape-nutz has a few other winery notes on their website
fwiw (yep, nothing much once again)
Was there no meh Xmas wine this year or did I miss it?
@Rstoker @winedavid @klezman
still waiting for O’tanninbaum
@klezman @rjquillin @Rstoker more Pedroncelli Cheer!
@klezman @rjquillin @Rstoker @ttboy23 Must have the limited editions!! Let them release!
@rjquillin @Rstoker yes, the Ty Caton PS! Or, better yet, Vincent Arroyo
@WineDavid49 make it happen!
@klezman @Rstoker @Winedavid49
We have some serious thread creep here on the daily!
but I guess I’m just as guilty…
Ditto on more Pedroncelli “Cheer”. One of the best buys on this site!
I’m not big on whites but this sounds delicious and the price is right.
I love a good Vermentino! I’m in!
It’s too bad William isn’t around to ‘talk up’ his wines. He’s fantastic and him and Karen are crafting some unique wines indeed. A little ‘outside the box’ for some but I dig them. Cheers!