is the kind of thing Randall Grahm might say, an organically grown carrot, depending from his lower lip, pressed into service in lieu of a Gauloise, as he begins a conversation about his soon to be released wine, itself inspired by, among other things, medieval folk ballads, Occitan linguistics, definitively positive affirmations and a mystical affinity for the warm places where grapes are grown.
From Cigars (Flying) to the Rhône Ranger to Popelouchum, Randall Grahm has a long history of reimagining the traditions of France in a distinctly personal way.
The Language of Yes (a distinctly odd name) is Randall’s next chapter. A continued exploration of the central California Coast through small-batch vinous experiments, light touches and a deep love of the land.
If the grapes and soil have anything at all to say, we cannot imagine a more faithful interpreter.
Beginning Summer of 2023, we will have a home, or at least a sort of ad hoc billet – I believe the young ‘uns call it a “pop-up” – through the fall at the Edna Valley Vineyard Tasting Room in, you guessed it, Edna Valley, located at 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
If you haven’t yet visited, Edna Valley is a dramatically beautiful space and well worth the trip. I’m hoping to make a few appearances there myself over the next few months and will keep you thoroughly apprised of such doings. TLOY wines will be available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended, though walk-ins will be accommodated when possible.
The simultaneous release adopted the extremely non-standard practice of air-drying the grapes post-harvest. Our first vintage from the Rancho Réal vineyard is an experiment in phenolic extraction and a realization of our intent to not slavishly replicate the wines of Southern France, but rather to seek to find and amplify the unique characteristics of our climats and terroirs in the Central Coast of California.
