Chasing Ether Cinsault California 2023

For more than 20 years, Jon Berlin quietly shaped some of Napa Valley's most celebrated Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs at El Molino, crafting wines that spoke with a subtle, Burgundian elegance, all within the walls of a winery more than a century old. There, he honed an approach defined by precision, patience, and an unwavering respect for the vineyard, coaxing out nuanced layers of flavor and texture that set El Molino apart. Those years were a master class in restraint and artistry, teaching him to balance power with elegance and to let the vineyard's voice shine through in every bottle.

After decades dedicated to this singular brand, Jon has taken a bold leap with his own project: Chasing Ether. These wines are born from a desire to bottle something beyond flavor—that fleeting, ethereal feeling that comes when people gather over a truly remarkable bottle. It's a philosophy shaped by years of listening to the land, the vines, and the wine itself, and now expressed in wines meant to be shared, savored, and remembered.

Jon's 2023 Cinsault is a beautiful expression of that vision. Brilliant ruby in color, it opens with a brooding yet inviting nose of boysenberry, bramble fruit, wood smoke, red meat, and coriander, with delicate hints of soy, balsam, and tamarind in the background. On the palate, it's supple and fleshy, leading to a full midpalate framed by energetic tannins that leave a lasting impression on the finish. Juicy, plush, and smoothly textured, it's a wine made to enjoy slightly chilled on warm afternoons or at cellar temperature as evenings cool.