A winery dedicated to avoiding convention

Brought to you by Aberrant Cellars, Sidecar Wine Trials is an exploratory search engine into the diverse varietal wonders, outside of Pinot Noir. Our intentions are unequivocal: to thrill, surprise, and entice, in an utterly sensual manner. To that end, while venturing to craft unique and unexplored blends, there will be little reliance on tradition or what’s previously been done by predecessors. Instead, we’ll be drawing on instinct and a pioneering spirit to be the vehicles for delivery of sumptuous, intriguing values to our audience.

The Important Stuff:

Carmenere (31%) - Griffin Creek Vineyard, Rogue Valley, (Sustainable/Live Certified): 35 percent SW facing slope, 1650’ Elevation, Ruch gravelly loam soils

Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) - Serra Vineyard, Applegate Valley, (Sustainably Farmed, Own Rooted vines):  3% South facing slope, 1350’ Elevation, Manita loam, Own-Rooted vines, nearly 30-years old

Cabernet Franc (25%) - Eevee’s Vineyard, Applegate Valley, (Sustainable/Live Certified): 7% SW facing slope, 1600’ Elevation, Gregory, silty loam soils

Malbec (19%) - Serra Vineyard, Applegate Valley, (Sustainably Farmed): 6% South facing slope, 1450’ Elevation, Selmac loam soils

Impressions:
A big challenge and appeal for working with Carmenere and Cabernet Franc, as a winemaker, is to keep the ever-present pyrazine’s in check. These calling cards are part of the unique qualities for these varieties, and we believe that a little goes a long way. So, a subtle influence of smoked peppercorn and roasted chilis can be found within this wine’s deep, purply profile. Texturally speaking, the Carmenere and Malbec both contribute rich, rounded personalities, with Malbec being the more whimsical of the two. The Cabernets provide a backdrop of structure and elegance, while also contributing additional horsepower for good measure.