Tilted Shed Cider Works (Windsor, CA) is an amazing project of love that produces a diverse range of artisanal ciders that really hit the spot, especially for IPOB/Natural Wine Snobs.
Anyway, my favorite of their current line-up is the Lost Orchard, a blend of a good half dozen obscure cider apples that has a fantastic, earthy depth of flavor that is just delicious. There is definitely bright apple flavor here, but what stands out is that deep earthy funk. A stunning beverage that I will definitely revisit!After dinner, last year's vintage of Broc Cellars Carignan (2014). Brilliant berry fruit with a richness that belies the sub-14% abv. The herbal character of Carignan does come through, with just a hint of earthy funk. As this wine opened up, it deepened in flavor. It did not become "funkier", more a case of layers of berry and earth and funk coming out in a nicely balanced wine. Some of Chris Brockway's earlier vintages of this wine were a little too "fruity" for me, but this wine shows the balance he can attain! Disappointed I missed the wine club party yesterday!