Locations
Dave Phinney created this portfolio to explore the possibility of what could happen when all of the stereotypical constraints and regional rules were pushed aside, allowing him to focus on one task: making great wine. The label concept was born when Dave was in France and a taxi pulled up with the very distinctive “F” sticker on their license plate. It sent his mind racing with the possibilities… recalling his experiences getting to know vineyards and their caretakers all over, and leaving him
excited to expand this network to include even more Locations.
Each label release is carefully crafted by Dave and partners around the world, offering a glimpse into his perception and experiences of the Locations he’s explored… so far.
Locations CA4 California Red Wine
Geographic diversity is what Locations – CA is all about. Provided with a wide assortment of microclimates and soil profiles to exploit, it can be a winemakers dream. With a goal in mind to create a blend that showcases the best of the Golden State, we navigated the famed appellations of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and the Sierra Foothills for prized fruit. Once secured, we were able to apply some creativity with the blending components to ultimately settle on a wine worthy of Locations Veiled in dark ruby red, the wine bursts with a tempting perfume of red and black fruits, dried rose petals, and a peppery note which offers some lift. Dense and ripe upon first pass, it evolves into a savory compote of raspberry, kirsch, and bitter cherry balanced out with mineral and herbal notes. The finish is substantial with tangy acidity, yet buffered with polished tannins that please the palate.
Blend of Petite Sirah, Barbera, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Grenache
Barrel aged 10 months in French oak barrels.
"If you like big, rich reds with lots of dried-fruit and bark character, then this is for you. Full body. Chewy tannins. More like a dry port, but I like its historical sensibility. A blend of petite sirah, barbera, tempranillo, syrah, and grenache. Drink now." - James Suckling, 90 points
Locations E Spanish Red Wine
The interplay of provenance, artistry, freedom, and creativity is what inspires us at Locations. With the Iberian Peninsula serving as a backdrop, this fertile ground allowed us to incorporate these attributes into the fourth release of our Spanish offering. Much like generations of craftsmen before us, we were intent to capture the nobility of Spain through its geographic diversity. Fruit with Mediterranean and Continental influences was sourced from five regions in particular: Priorat, Jumilla, Toro, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero. Old vines, low yields, and a palate attuned to excellence, work in harmony and enable us to reach our goal of producing a great wine, from the best locations in the world.
The wine presents a dark, polished amethyst with aromatic notes of white pepper, tobacco, and black currant emerging from the glass. A silky mouthfeel with a palate of dark plums, black raspberry, and hints of French vanilla closes with subtle tart black cherry and a lengthy, structural finish.
A blend of Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Carignan/Cariñena
Barrel aged 10 months prior to release.
"Aromas of sweet strawberries with citrus and floral undertones, as well as blueberries and hot stones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a flavorful, lightly austere finish. This shows tone and texture. A blend of garnacha, tempranillo, monastrell and carinena. Drink or hold." - 92 point, James Suckling
Locations I Italian Red Wine
With over 2000 indigenous grape varieties to select and compose a blend, an exhaustive search was undertaken to pay homage to this historic region. Maintaining the integrity of the land was paramount while simultaneously considering the end result of a dynamic and innovative wine. Powerful and rich fruit from Puglia (Torricella and Manduria) serves as the base with a lively vein of acidity from Barbera (Alba) that stabilizes things in just the right way.
A vast array of aromas escapes the glass—black cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cured meat—which are complemented by shades of sandalwood, vanilla, balsa and evergreen. e entry is silky smooth with a textured mid-palate of velvety fig, blueberry jam and soft oak. A hint of sea salt on the finish is rounded out with a mouthfeel that fades slowly.
A blend of Negroamaro and Nero d’Avola from the Southern region of Puglia combined with Barbera from Piemonte in the North.
Barrel aged 10 months prior to release.
"The black-olive, blueberry and blackberry character, combined with stone and orange peel is very attractive. Full to medium body. Solid core of fruit and a flavorful, zesty finish. A blend of negroamaro, nero d’avola and barbera. Drink now." - 92 points, James Suckling
Locations WA Washington Red Wine
A sixth generation vintner and friend of Locations winemaker, Dave Phinney once said, “if I was twenty-one, single, and could make wine anywhere in world, it would be Washington.” With that endorsement and incentive, we proudly offer our first wine from the Northwest. Sourced from diverse vineyard blocks within the state’s best growing regions, we now know what he was talking about.
Deep purple in color, the wine brims with aromas of wild blueberries, cassis, and pleasing notes of forest floor. e palate is initially treated to dense flavors of plum, milk chocolate and framboise. Following, a delightful interplay of violet, anise, black tea, and brown spices soon emerge giving further character to the wine. Silky tannins encapsulate things with a very pure and true finish.
A blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Petit Sirah
Barrel aged 10 months in French and American oak barrels.
"A rich and relatively dense red with blackberry and blueberry character. Full-bodied. Juicy fruit and round tannins, yet fresh and flavorful. Solid and fun. Rich wine. Syrah, malbec and cabernet sauvignon. Drink now." - 91 points, James Suckling
Locations F French Red Wine
We have incorporated some of the best regions in France, drawing upon our network of growers from Rhone, Roussillon, and Bordeaux. Our commitment to quality has enabled us to secure fruit from exceptional old vine blocks in revered sub-appellations.
Blend
Grenache, Syrah, and assorted Bordeaux varietals
Winemaker Notes
A dominant nose of red raspberries and wild strawberries, which leads into notes of cranberry, cherry, and rhubarb compote. The wine is fresh and lively with bright acidity, smooth texture, and chewy tannins.
Aging
Barrel aged 10 months prior to release