Lasseter Family Winery 'Inattendu' Red Blend, Sonoma Valley, California

The 2022 Lasseter Family Winery Inattendu is a beautifully crafted Southern Rhône-inspired red blend that reflects the diversity and character of the organically farmed Justi Creek Vineyard in Sonoma Valley. Meaning "unexpected" in French, Inattendu celebrates the estate's passion for Rhône varieties, combining Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre into a wine of remarkable elegance, richness, and balance. Carefully vinified and thoughtfully matured, it delivers both immediate appeal and excellent ageing potential.

Product Details:

• Owners: John Lasseter and Nancy Lasseter
• Winemaker: Stephen Cruzan
• Varietals: 51% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre
• Vineyard: Estate-grown Justi Creek Vineyard
• Alcohol: 14.7% ABV
• Total Acidity: 5.1 g/L
• pH: 3.91
• Fermentation: 50% stainless steel tanks, 50% concrete tanks with 12% whole-cluster fermentation
• Aging: 14 months in 30% new French oak barrels
• Bottled: February 2024
• Production: 294 cases
• Viticulture: Organically farmed estate vineyard

Sensory Description:

Deep garnet in colour, the bouquet opens with expressive aromas of blackberry, black tea, dark plum, and subtle floral notes layered with hints of mocha, dried herbs, cracked pepper, and well-integrated oak. The palate is plush and generously textured, revealing concentrated flavours of black cherry, blackberry compote, cocoa, and savoury herbs supported by vibrant acidity and finely polished tannins. The finish is long, harmonious, and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit, spice, and elegant oak.

Awards & Accolades:

• 95 Points: Jeb Dunnuck

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 2002 by John and Nancy Lasseter, Lasseter Family Winery is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley on the historic Justi Creek estate, originally established by French winemakers in 1894. The modern winery, completed in 2011, sits on a 95-acre property that includes organically farmed vineyards, native landscapes, and the Lasseters' renowned private steam railway. Inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley, the estate combines meticulous vineyard stewardship with thoughtful winemaking to produce elegant, terroir-driven wines that balance Old World inspiration with Sonoma character.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16-18°C in a large Rhône or Bordeaux wine glass. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes while young to allow its aromatics and structure to fully develop. Pair beautifully with grilled lamb, rosemary-crusted rack of lamb, beef short ribs, roast duck, venison, pork shoulder, mushroom risotto, grilled eggplant, ratatouille, lentil stew, or wood-fired pizzas. It also complements aged Gouda, Comté, Manchego, mature Cheddar, and Pecorino, making it an excellent choice for elegant dinners, holiday gatherings, or cellaring for additional complexity over the coming decade.