Railsback Freres 'Cuvee Speciale' La Counoise, Santa Ynez Valley, California

Rare, radiant, and refreshingly expressive, the 2022 Cuvée Spéciale La Counoise from Railsback Frères is a standout California interpretation of a Southern Rhône rarity. Sourced from a minuscule 0.88-acre block of Beaucastel-cutting Counoise vines in the limestone-rich soils of Nolan Ranch Vineyard, this Santa Ynez Valley red offers a joyful, juicy style balanced with freshness and charm. Whole-cluster fermentation and neutral oak aging bring a vibrant texture and aromatic lift, resulting in a wine that’s delightfully drinkable yet thoughtfully crafted.

Product Details:

• Wine: Cuvée Spéciale La Counoise
• Producer: Railsback Frères
• Region: Santa Ynez Valley, California, USA
• Sub-Region: Alisos Canyon AVA
• Vineyard: Nolan Ranch Vineyard
• Vintage: 2022
• Variety: 100% Counoise
• Fermentation: Native yeast, 100% whole cluster in stainless steel
• Aging: 8 months in neutral French oak
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12.5% 

Sensory Description:

Brilliant and translucent ruby in the glass, this Counoise bursts with aromas of pomegranate, crushed red cherry, wild herbs, and rose petals. The whole-cluster fermentation lends a peppery, floral lift, while the palate is all about juicy energy and silky grip. Light-bodied but structured, the wine offers a “glou glou” drinkability with a refined mineral finish that nods to its limestone-rich terroir. It’s a wine for both contemplation and celebration.

Winemaker's Background:

Railsback Frères was founded in 2015 by brothers Lyle and Eric Railsback, inspired by southern France's soulful, sun-drenched wines. Lyle spent over a decade with legendary French importer Kermit Lynch, while Eric co-founded Lieu Dit in Santa Barbara and owns Verve Wine. The project began with a Bandol-style rosé and quickly evolved into a full range of low-intervention wines focused on Southern Rhône and Mediterranean varieties. All wines are fermented with native yeasts and aged with minimal interference at Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria. With a nod to tradition and a distinctly Californian sense of place, Railsback Frères captures the essence of old-world elegance and new-world energy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled (around 14–15°C) in a Burgundy glass to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity. It is perfect with Provençal fare, charcuterie, grilled lamb skewers, or wood-fired flatbreads topped with Mediterranean herbs and olives. It is equally at home on a summer picnic or a cozy fall table.

With its rare varietal focus, low-intervention vinification, and dynamic, juicy character, the 2022 Railsback Frères Cuvée Spéciale La Counoise is a celebration of California’s Rhône-inspired potential—bottled joy from vine to glass.