I’ve been dying to go to California, but unfortunately have not been able to make it out there recently. Luckily, my Winestyr box brought me a 2014 Calluna Vineyards Cuveé from Sonoma to sip on.

Winestyr spends countless hours searching for the best small wine producers. Based in Sonoma County, California, their mission is to relentlessly curate the best selection of small production wines possible and make them accessible to consumers. They boast an unprecedented access to a curated collection of wines from over 7,000 wineries in the United States. Most of these producers are actually too small to warrant the attention of retailers, so they are genuinely hard to find. They have combed the country for the best producers, met with hundreds of winemakers, and tasted thousands of wines, with the favorites joining their website.

Courtesy Calluna Vineyards

Calluna Vineyards, named after the botanical name for the plant Heather, is situated on a 80 acre hilltop property in Sonoma’s Chalk Hill AVA. Influenced by winemaker David A. Jeffrey’s experience in Bordeaux with Dr. Alain Raynaud at Chateau Quinault l’Enclos, the vineyard produces Bordeaux varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based wines.

Courtesy Calluna Vineyards

The wine is made with a blend of 47% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, with 1,400 cases produced. Upon pouring it into the glass, I could see that the wine was deep red with hints of purple. It was very aromatic with spice and dark fruit through and through, with hints of tobacco. It was nicely balanced, with defined tannins, and great acidity. You can find it on Winestyr for $33. I drank it on its own while unwinding from a crazy work day.

PS. I found out that they have a vineyard dog named Molly – I’ve got to meet her one day!

Courtesy Calluna Vineyards