Desire Lines Wine Co “Massa Vineyard”

CARMEL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA |  2022

Desire Lines is the work of Cody and Emily Rasmussen, a husband-and-wife team who moved to California from the Midwest in 2011. In 2013, Cody started working as assistant winemaker at Bedrock Wine Co. (where he is now head winemaker), and a few years later they made their first wine, establishing Desire Lines.

Working with carefully farmed vineyards throughout Northern California, an area that is home to a stunningly rich assortment of historically significant and distinctive vineyards, they produce singular wines of character that are faithful to their vineyard sources and absolutely delicious.

In the cellar, they practice native yeast fermentations, often using whole cluster in many of the red wines, and age the wines in mostly neutral oak and large-format barrels.

Here is the perfect summer white wine from Desire Lines. Their 2022 Massa Vineyard Riesling is truly special. Coming from the Massa Vineyard in Carmel Valley, this is likely the first “Kabinett-style” Riesling ever produced in California. Yes, it has a little residual sugar, but it is so well balanced. Beautiful aromas of citrus zest, pear and apple, along with some “herb-y” and floral components. Chiseled and bright on the palate, the acidity balances the residual sugar. 

Now here is why we really love wines with some residual sugar - pairing with food of course! This is such a versatile food wine, and we particularly like it with Vietnamese and Thai food, as it can handle all the complex flavors, acidity, fish sauce, and spice. 

Don’t miss this great Riesling!