At Flatiron, we have been steadfast supporters of Frenchtown Farms since the very beginning. From the moment we first encountered the work of Aaron and Cara Mockrish, we recognized the potential for something truly brilliant to emerge from their project in North Yuba County. Their journey was sparked by a single, transformative bottle of Clos Saron that pivoted their lives from vegetable and cannabis farming toward viticulture. They sought out Gideon Beinstock, who was already established in the region and remains a vital mentor to this day, providing them with a deep education in the unique potential of North Yuba fruit.
This mentorship eventually led Aaron and Cara to take on the stewardship of the legendary Renaissance Vineyards. Originally owned by the Fellowship of Friends, these once famous vineyards were left to go feral as the members of the group aged and the winery eventually folded. These sites, particularly the Cut, represent some of the most dramatic and historic terroir in California. The Cut is a singular, one acre, steeply terraced slope fed by underground springs that emerge from the heart of the mountain. Through years of intensive manual labor and organic leaning practices, Aaron and Cara have effectively made these rugged volcanic slopes their home.
Another key element in their evolution has been their close friendship with the Overnoy family in the Jura. This connection has deeply influenced their philosophy, allowing their style to mature from a Clos Saron light aesthetic into a sophisticated and seamless fusion of two worlds. The wines now represent a bridge between the rugged, granite rich foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the precise, ethereal spirit of the Alps. It is a rare marriage of Yuba grit and Jura inspiration, resulting in bottles that feel both wild and impeccably refined.
The 2023 Quail Run perfectly embodies this mountain wine identity. A co fermented blend of equal parts Cinsault and Counoise from the Naggiar Vineyard in Grass Valley, this wine manages to be both profoundly serious and effortlessly drinkable. While the fruit comes from rolling hills rather than the jagged volcanic cliffs of North Yuba, it retains a distinct alpine like texture that is cool, lean, and crystalline. The fruit is incredibly precise, offering a vibrant red hue and a snap of wild berries that feels energized by the high elevation terroir. Because Aaron and Cara utilize 100 percent whole cluster fermentation and a gentle 10 day maceration, the wine possesses an elegant structure and a refreshing low ABV that practically begs for a second bottle. It is a harmonious expression of the Sierra Foothills, bright, aromatic, and possessing that unmistakable mountain chill.
Frenchtown Farms North Yuba Cinsault/Counoise Quail Run 2024 - $37.99
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