2022 Precedent Carignan 'Spenker Ranch'

100% Carignan. Spenker Ranch, known locally as Jessie’s Grove’s Block 4, is 8 acres of own-rooted Carignan vines (a block that, up until the mid-1990s, used to total over 40 acres) originally planted by Joseph Spenker in 1900 and earlier.  Fermented whole cluster  with native yeasts after holding the grapes in a closed tank for about 4 days until there’s slight carbonic maceration. After that, the tops are removed off the tank and the fermentation gets going with foot treading. Pump-overs instead of punchdowns.  After about 8 days, when the fermentation is not quite completely dry, the wine was pressed off the skins and is then aged in completely  neutral French oak — barrels that are at least 6, 7 years old and previously used only for Chardonnay, never any red wines. 12% alcohol. 

Light in body and joyously fruity, with soft expressions of open earth and crushed wild blackberry. Playful, approachable, and enjoyable. Finishes with a long, savory, snappy sensation suggesting both the bright fruit and an almost truffle-like earthiness. Juicy acidity, a smooth texture, and light tannins mean this could easily enjoy a light chill. 

Nathan Kandler is a true believer in the translational role of a winemaker. His ultimate goal is to foster the voice of the soil into your glass of wine. Born and raised in Lansing, MI, Nathan attended the University of Michigan, studying Political Science.  A summer spent bartending on Mackinac Island provided the proverbial “bite” from the wine bug. A year and 2000 miles later Nathan was studying and working in Sonoma County, CA. After time studying Viticulture from Sonoma legend Rich Thomas at the Santa Rosa Junior College, Nathan finished his BS in Enology at CSU Fresno.

Nathan has worked for multiple wineries in Northern California (Benzinger, Frick, Schug and Testarossa) and spent time working for the famed Torbreck Winery in the Barossa Valley of Australia. He is currently the head winemaker at Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains where he has focused on bringing new energy to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay program.

Not all vineyards are created equal and Nathan has a keen eye for finding the magical combination of variety, climate and soil. He believes the first step in any winemaking endeavor is to seek out these unique sites, often found outside of the more famous regions of California (Napa, Russian River, etc.). “There are a lot of vineyards planted in heavy soils in some of the more famous appellations in California; they get by on name alone, rather than quality.” He often seeks rocky and well drained sites with climates on the marginal side for the given variety.

Native yeasts, whole cluster fermentations, minimal sulfur and the judicious use of well seasoned French Oak are some of the techniques used. “I am looking to create authentic wines that taste of a particularly special place.”

Precedent is Nathan’s first independent effort.