Jolie-Laide 'Trousseau Noir Blend' Red Blend, California 2025
Jolie-Laide is a micro-production, two-person operation based in Sebastopol, founded by Scott Schultz in 2010 and now run with his partner Jenny Schultz. The name translates to "Pretty-Ugly," a French term of endearment describing something unconventionally beautiful—a philosophy that perfectly captures their approach to winemaking. Scott's journey began as Wine Director at Thomas Keller's Bouchon in Napa Valley before working at Realm Winery, Arnot-Roberts, and alongside Pax Mahle at Wind Gap, where he remains Assistant Winemaker. Jolie-Laide focuses exclusively on rare, overlooked grape varieties from California, working with a handful of dedicated organic growers across distinctive Northern California vineyard sites. With production of just 3,000 cases annually across all wines, these are some of the most sought-after bottles in the state. Each vintage features new label artwork by different Bay Area artists, making every release a unique collector's piece.
Extremely limited production!
- WINEMAKER: Scott Schultz and Jenny Schultz (proprietors/winemakers)
- FARMING: Organically farmed vineyards (all fruit sourced from organic growers)
- Variety: Trousseau Noir 40%, Poulsard 25%, Gamay 20%, Cabernet Pfeffer 15%
- TERROIR: Sourced from multiple risk-taking vineyards scattered across Northern California, including sites in Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Suisun Valley, and other North Coast appellations. These rare varietals are extremely finite in the California landscape, grown on diverse soils ranging from volcanic to decomposed granite, at various elevations.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested. All components fermented separately. 100% whole cluster, foot crushed by hand. Partial carbonic maceration for brightness and to enhance purity and vibrancy of fruit characteristics. Fermented with native yeasts only—no commercial yeast inoculation. The high-acid, low-pH musts allow for minimal intervention.
- AGING: Aged in neutral French oak barrels. No added sulfur at pressing. Minimal sulfur at bottling
- TASTING NOTES: Light garnet with luminous clarity. The nose is aromatic and expressive with bright cranberry, red pomegranate, sour cherry, raspberry, and red apple. Layers of complexity emerge: incense, tobacco leaf, petrichor (wet pavement), black peppercorn, cinnamon, dried herbs, and crushed stone minerality. The palate is delicate yet intensely flavorful—mineral-rich and lean with "al dente" black berry fruit, earth, and subtle nut undertones. Light to medium-bodied with crystalline acidity and a juicy, diaphanous attack. Taut, dusty tannins provide structure without weight. The wine pulsates with kinetic energy, finishing long with bright citrus peel, stone fruit, and persistent mineral notes. Crunchy, fresh, and endlessly drinkable.
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FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled salmon or tuna, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, pasta with ragù, duck breast, mild soft cheeses, Asian cuisine
Jolie-Laide 'Trousseau Noir Blend' Red Blend, California 2025
Jolie-Laide is a micro-production, two-person operation based in Sebastopol, founded by Scott Schultz in 2010 and now run with his partner Jenny Schultz. The name translates to "Pretty-Ugly," a French term of endearment describing something unconventionally beautiful—a philosophy that perfectly captures their approach to winemaking. Scott's journey began as Wine Director at Thomas Keller's Bouchon in Napa Valley before working at Realm Winery, Arnot-Roberts, and alongside Pax Mahle at Wind Gap, where he remains Assistant Winemaker. Jolie-Laide focuses exclusively on rare, overlooked grape varieties from California, working with a handful of dedicated organic growers across distinctive Northern California vineyard sites. With production of just 3,000 cases annually across all wines, these are some of the most sought-after bottles in the state. Each vintage features new label artwork by different Bay Area artists, making every release a unique collector's piece.
Extremely limited production!
- WINEMAKER: Scott Schultz and Jenny Schultz (proprietors/winemakers)
- FARMING: Organically farmed vineyards (all fruit sourced from organic growers)
- Variety: Trousseau Noir 40%, Poulsard 25%, Gamay 20%, Cabernet Pfeffer 15%
- TERROIR: Sourced from multiple risk-taking vineyards scattered across Northern California, including sites in Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Suisun Valley, and other North Coast appellations. These rare varietals are extremely finite in the California landscape, grown on diverse soils ranging from volcanic to decomposed granite, at various elevations.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested. All components fermented separately. 100% whole cluster, foot crushed by hand. Partial carbonic maceration for brightness and to enhance purity and vibrancy of fruit characteristics. Fermented with native yeasts only—no commercial yeast inoculation. The high-acid, low-pH musts allow for minimal intervention.
- AGING: Aged in neutral French oak barrels. No added sulfur at pressing. Minimal sulfur at bottling
- TASTING NOTES: Light garnet with luminous clarity. The nose is aromatic and expressive with bright cranberry, red pomegranate, sour cherry, raspberry, and red apple. Layers of complexity emerge: incense, tobacco leaf, petrichor (wet pavement), black peppercorn, cinnamon, dried herbs, and crushed stone minerality. The palate is delicate yet intensely flavorful—mineral-rich and lean with "al dente" black berry fruit, earth, and subtle nut undertones. Light to medium-bodied with crystalline acidity and a juicy, diaphanous attack. Taut, dusty tannins provide structure without weight. The wine pulsates with kinetic energy, finishing long with bright citrus peel, stone fruit, and persistent mineral notes. Crunchy, fresh, and endlessly drinkable.
-
FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled salmon or tuna, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, pasta with ragù, duck breast, mild soft cheeses, Asian cuisine