After eager anticipation by many--I'm pleased to report that Railsback Rosé is back in action. 

Of all the domestic pink wines we sell--I don't think any more truly capture the spirit of old school Provençal rosé like Les Rascasses, which is the passion project made by two personal friends--brothers Lyle and Eric Railsback. 

This year, we're thrilled to repeat a special Ancona's bottling of Les Rascasses--which is a barrel or three custom-bottled as "Cuvée Ancona's" just for the store. 

This is a huge honor. 

As a bit of backstory--for many years, Lyle ran National Sales at Kermit Lynch--an import portfolio that serves as a critical stanchion in the Ancona's French and Italian sections.  

Eric cut his teeth as a Somm at San Fran's legendary wine bar--RN74 before partnering with Justin Willet to found Leiu Dit--a Santa Barbara operation, focusing on Loire varieties. 

It is uncanny how both of these narratives positioned Lyle and Eric to produce California wine with old world soul. 

It's also not secret that, like myself, these guys consider Domaine Tempier's Bandol rosé a golden standard of pink wine--and that's really how this project started. 

Eric was able to nab some Mourvedre cuttings from a friend in Bandol and a few years later, they're producing a little bit of rosé. It's been a thrill to watch this production grow from little more than a cellar project to a couple thousand case production including an Ancona's bottling. 

This year--the wine is sourced across three vineyards and vinified from Mourvedre, Grenache, and Cinsault. 

While Cinsault accounts for the smallest percentage of the blend--I've always thought of it as the secret sauce to the recipe. If you sense high-tone nuances of freshly plucked berries and vinous wild strawberries--that's the Cinsault speaking. 

Truth be told, if it was an option--I would have asked the boys to include even a bit more Cinsault this year...but as with everything that is farmed by hand--the parameters are set according to what nature offers. 

This wine was direct pressed, fermented with indigenous yeast, and aged in completely neutral Burgundy barrels.  

Cuvée Ancona's: 84 cases made. 6 magnums & three 3L Jeroboams. 

It was harvested between September 20th and October 14th.

The end result is simply stunning and I expect will continue to improve with 2-3 year of bottle age. 

Happy weekend my friends.

Codey Foster, Wine Director 

My Notes Read:The 2021 Rascasses Cuvée Ancona’s could be the best yet—this is simply stunning pink wine. On the nose: fresh peaches, lime zest, and a handful freshly plucked berries are accompanied by aromas of crushed seashells, salinity, and delicate nuances of fresh herbs and linen. On the palate, a happy combination of concentration, and layered complexity are supported by a plush pillowy texture. The end result is perfectly dry and surprisingly long to finish. Upon opening this wine definitely benefits from some air. Pull the cork, pour a glass, and let the bottle breathe for 30-40 minutes. 11.9% 

A flawless accompaniment for the summer table: aoli, squid, lamb shoulder, and various grilled meats and veggies. Serve cold, not too cold.