Region: California, USA (Clarksburg & Arroyo Seco)
Grapes: 60% Pinot Gris, 40% Chardonnay
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: White peach, sea salt brine, lemon zest, subtle floral muscat notes, and green apple, with a lively, mouthwatering acidity and a dry, saline finish
Pairing: Oysters on the half shell, fish tacos, goat cheese salad, continuous charcuterie boards, or grilled shrimp
The Producer
Oest Wines is an inspiring, small-scale natural wine project led by winemaker Tahnee Shields. Sourcing organically and thoughtfully farmed fruit from the Sierra Foothills and coastal California, Tahnee crafts her micro-batches out of the Les Lunes cellar in Richmond. Deeply committed to soil vitality, low-intervention techniques, and social justice within agriculture, Oest utilizes wild yeast fermentations, minimal manipulation, and little-to-no added sulfur to produce transparent, living wines with a distinct sense of place.
The Wine
"Alas" (formerly known as Runner) is a uniquely compelling, lightly skin-macerated white blend built on an intriguing play of contrasts. The core consists of lightly macerated, saline-driven Pinot Gris from Clarksburg. To balance its intense mineral brine, Tahnee blended in Chardonnay sourced from Zabala Vineyard in Arroyo Seco—a plot carrying subtle Muscat genetic history that lends a lift of fragrant florals. Spontaneously fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered, the 2023 vintage masterfully pairs a bright, high-toned nose of white flowers and stone fruit with a crisp, lip-smacking acidity, a subtle chalky grip, and a long, ocean-salty finish.
Region: California, USA (Clarksburg & Arroyo Seco)
Grapes: 60% Pinot Gris, 40% Chardonnay
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: White peach, sea salt brine, lemon zest, subtle floral muscat notes, and green apple, with a lively, mouthwatering acidity and a dry, saline finish
Pairing: Oysters on the half shell, fish tacos, goat cheese salad, continuous charcuterie boards, or grilled shrimp
The Producer
Oest Wines is an inspiring, small-scale natural wine project led by winemaker Tahnee Shields. Sourcing organically and thoughtfully farmed fruit from the Sierra Foothills and coastal California, Tahnee crafts her micro-batches out of the Les Lunes cellar in Richmond. Deeply committed to soil vitality, low-intervention techniques, and social justice within agriculture, Oest utilizes wild yeast fermentations, minimal manipulation, and little-to-no added sulfur to produce transparent, living wines with a distinct sense of place.
The Wine
"Alas" (formerly known as Runner) is a uniquely compelling, lightly skin-macerated white blend built on an intriguing play of contrasts. The core consists of lightly macerated, saline-driven Pinot Gris from Clarksburg. To balance its intense mineral brine, Tahnee blended in Chardonnay sourced from Zabala Vineyard in Arroyo Seco—a plot carrying subtle Muscat genetic history that lends a lift of fragrant florals. Spontaneously fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered, the 2023 vintage masterfully pairs a bright, high-toned nose of white flowers and stone fruit with a crisp, lip-smacking acidity, a subtle chalky grip, and a long, ocean-salty finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.