Musings in Rocket’s Cellar

Wreckless Blenders

The Wreckless Blenders are a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box.

Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation.

Wreckless Blenders
In this Musing, Rocket talks about visiting Farmer Bob's World in the Central Valley, wine tasting in Fresno, and some news about the 2021 Rosé. Oh, we're out of 2020 Fiano, but there will be a new vintage next year. Links and References Farmer Bob's World: https://www.farmerbobsworld.com Fresno Wineries: https://www.visitfresnocounty.org/restaurants/wineries-wine-tasting/ The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
Farmer Bob's World, Tasting in Fresno(?), and News about Rosé
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_v8rAApZuQ38
The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
A Brief History of Primitivo
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_hjIaUvbwZ9Y
In this musings Rocket pulls out a Wreckless Wred vertical tasting (2017, 2018, and 2019). Vertical tastings are terrific ways to compare different aspects of a wine such as the vintage, the wine maker, the region, the bottle size, and more. 0:40 What is a Vertical Tasting 3:12 Tasting Notes of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Wreckless Wred 10:40 Reversing the Order Store: https://store.wrecklessblenders.com Events: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/events The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
Wreckless Wred Vertical Tasting
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_m7sQ-DMRtEI
In this session Rocket talks about the fate of the 2021 Sangiovese. Whiteboard Rocket visits to describe when that impacts the wine release lineup while covering an overview of the end-to-end winemaking process. This is a good time to pick up a vertical tasting of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Sangiovese while you can. Store: https://store.wrecklessblenders.com Events: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/events == Mentions == Gibson Ranch, Mendocino The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
The Fate of the 2021 Sangiovese
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_GhQrpe4ygSM
Rocket shares a tale of Santa Barbera... wait, Santa Barbara... (I kinda like Santa Barbera since it sounds like I get Barbera for a Christmas gift) and San Diego. Along the way he shares thoughts on the 2019 Barbera - a much more tannic wine than previous years. Store: https://store.wrecklessblenders.com Events: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/events == Mentions == Sideways (the movie) in Santa Barbara (https://santabarbaraca.com/itinerary/sideways-santa-barbara/) Cambria Winery (https://www.cambriawines.com/) J Wilkes Winery (https://www.jwilkes.com/) Frequency Wines (https://www.frequencywines.com/) Shaker Ridge Vineyard (https://www.shakerridgevineyard.com/) Gibson Ranch Vineyards (https://minerwines.com/vineyard/gibson-ranch/ | https://www.ruthlewandowskiwines.com/vineyards) The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
Musings - Santa Barbra, San Diego, and 2019 Barbera
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_SHJKwr_cYgs
Rocket talks about a recent visit to Lodi (spoiler alert: visit d'Art Winery if you're ever in Lodi). We're bringing back Cabernet Franc this harvest! A brief journey into the land of Pinot clones. Hobbes the winery cat visits, too. Store: https://store.wrecklessblenders.com Events: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/events == Mentions == d'Art Wines: https://www.dartwines.com/ Bouchaine Vineyards: https://bouchaine.com/ Shaker Ridge Vineyards: https://www.shakerridgevineyard.com/ The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
Lodi Wineries and a Brief Journey into the Land of Pinot Clones (How Did I Get Here?)
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_mFA843jwB2E
Rocket shares updates from Harvest and muses a bit on how harvest influences blending. Wreckless Wine Days: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/events/ Store: https://store.wrecklessblenders.com More: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
How Harvest Influences Blending
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_a6qGIkF2Fhg
Wine Club: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/wineclub Wreckless Wine Days: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/events In this musings Rocket announces Wreckless Wine Days! Monthly events happening in Carmichael and Concord where you can try and buy Wreckless wine while hanging out with Wreckless Blenders. Also, join the wine club. It is almost fully allocated. Use the link above. More: https://www.wrecklessblenders.com Store: https://store.wrecklessblenders.com The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
Wreckless Wine Days!!! (July 2021)
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_-h51N7Ttz2c
In this musing, Rocket explores what's tasting great right now (hint: 2018 Barbera, 2018 Sangiovese, and the Fiano). We've got a special going for Wine Club members, so if you've been on the fence about joining, do so now (https://www.wrecklessblenders.com/wineclub). The History of Wreckless Blenders Started in the late 1980’s in a dusty Sacramento basement, a small band of scientists discovered they loved making wine… and, that they lived in the heart of wine grape growing territory. Thus initiated a hobby soon to be explosively out of control. Glass carboys turned to modified beer kegs, which in turn, morphed to oak barrels. Vines were planted, construction happened, reputation grew.. With each progressive step, capacity grew, and with it, innovation. Wreckless innovation. Scientists are want to improve things, and every year brought technical enhancements. We once separated the finished wine from the stems and seeds with a nylon mesh bag that we had to squeeze by hand… messy, and inefficient. Along came our first press! The Wreckless Blenders quickly learned how to make friends and source grapes. Our growers have become amazing friends, and this whole red-stained business is really about people and friendships, lubricated by fantastic wine. As the years progress, we discover cool new varietals growing here and there, often just a row or two… for a small winery, that small amount becomes a real player and allowed us to showcase wines that did not try to compete with the large wineries. In 2007 we transitioned to commercial operation, and the Wreckless Blenders set up shop as a friendly, neighborhood winery in Carmichael, California. With a micro-winery capacity of around 100 cases per year, the Wreckless Blenders believe in minimal intervention – allowing the wines to mature and express their own character. Having access to amazing varietals has put the “W” in Wreckless. This small, mighty winery continues to drink outside the box. Wreckless, spelled with a W, is about the adventurous spirit we bring to this obsession, about the synthesis of science, tradition, friendships, hard work, and innovation. What’s next is only a vintage away!
Musings from Rocket's Cellar - What's Tasting Great
YouTube Video UCfQFQhKyDAzYI0A9LENJnag_fwYZaBVoJTA
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