Martha Stoumen 'Post Flirtation' Red, California

Hibiscus, pomegranate, rhubarb, and baking spice open with bright energy and savory depth. 2023 Martha Stoumen 'Post Flirtation' Red, California reflects a longstanding California tradition of Zinfandel and Carignan blending, shaped here through earlier picking decisions, gentle extraction, and careful sourcing from dry-farmed vineyards. It captures Martha Stoumen’s commitment to expressive, distinctly Californian wines that balance freshness, character, and everyday drinkability.

Product Details:

• Producer: Martha Stoumen Wines
• Owner & Winemaker: Martha Stoumen
• Vintage: 2023
• Grapes: Zinfandel, Carignan
• Blend: 62% Zinfandel, 38% Carignan
• Farming: Dry farmed vineyards; Carignan vineyards certified organic
• Vineyard Source: Del Barba Vineyard; Ricetti Vineyard; reserve Carignan from Venturi Vineyard
• Vine Age: Ricetti Vineyard planted in 1948
• Soil: Sandy soils; gravelly loam; Pinole gravelly loam
• Harvest Method: Hand harvested
• Fermentation: Zinfandel 100% destemmed; Carignan 95% whole cluster and 5% destemmed; fermented separately with punchdowns and pumpovers
• Aging: 6 months in stainless steel and neutral oak barrique before blending; reserve Carignan aged 28 months in neutral oak barrique
• Filtration: Unfiltered
• Bottling: Bottled February 2024
• Residual Sugar: Less than 1 g/L
• ABV: 12.5%
• Production: Unfined; vegan; sediment expected

Sensory Description:

The wine opens with pomegranate, wild strawberry, hibiscus, and red currant, layered with notes of dried herbs, chaparral, and baking spice. The palate is medium-bodied and energetic, carried by bright acidity and a supple texture that keeps the fruit lifted and precise. Zinfandel contributes vivid red fruit and floral tones, while Carignan adds savory complexity, fine tannins, and an earthy edge. The finish remains fresh, dry, and gently spiced, with lingering notes of rhubarb and crushed herbs.

Producer’s Background:

Martha Stoumen founded Martha Stoumen Wines in 2014 after years of vineyard and cellar work in California and abroad, including graduate studies in Enology and Viticulture at UC Davis. Her wines focus on vineyard expression, thoughtful farming partnerships, and Mediterranean grape varieties that thrive in California’s warm, dry conditions. Working with growers across the state, Stoumen has built a reputation for wines that balance transparency, freshness, and a strong sense of place while remaining approachable at the table.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 16 degrees Celsius in a universal red wine glass to highlight the wine’s aromatic lift and bright structure. Pair with pizza, grilled sausages, roast chicken, charcuterie, tomato-based pasta dishes, or vegetable-forward Mediterranean cooking. Its freshness and moderate weight make it especially versatile for casual gatherings and shared meals.