Caleb Leisure Obelus 2020

Obelus is a field-inspired Southern Rhone blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, and 20% Mourvedre, sourced from organically farmed vineyards in Calaveras County, Sierra Foothills. The three varieties are co-fermented together in a combination of qvevri (traditional Georgian terracotta amphorae) and macro bin, then pressed after 7 to 10 days of skin contact. After pressing, the wine moves into qvevri and neutral oak for elevage. No additions or subtractions at any point in the process.

Caleb Leisure operates out of the Coturri Winery facility in Glen Ellen, Sonoma, where in 2017 he buried 10 authentic Georgian qvevri in the earthen cellar. The qvevri are lined with beeswax, which has antibacterial properties and supports natural clarification. Buried underground, they hold a constant cool temperature that moderates fermentation heat and allows the wine to settle without intervention. Leisure is widely cited as the only California winemaker using authentic Georgian qvevri in this manner.

Calaveras County sits within the Sierra Foothills AVA, east of the San Joaquin Valley at the base of the Sierra Nevada. Vineyards here range from 500 to 3,000 feet in elevation, with soils of decomposed granite and volcanic material that drain well and force vines to root deeply. Warm days and cool alpine nights produce significant diurnal temperature swings that preserve acidity and concentrate flavor. Rhone varieties like Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre are well-suited to these conditions.

Expect red and dark fruit alongside earthy and funky savory notes. The qvevri-driven winemaking adds texture and a salty mineral quality, while the Cinsault keeps the blend lifted and aromatic. Mourvedre grounds the whole thing with structure and a meaty undercurrent. Medium-high acidity and low sulfur make this a lively, food-friendly bottle with real personality.