2023 Carol Shelton - Coquille Blanc San Luis Obispo (750ml)
2023 Carol Shelton - Coquille Blanc San Luis Obispo (750ml)
Coquille Blanc is a white Rhône-style blend crafted in the Paso Robles region of San Luis Obispo County, designed as a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc-style wine. The 2023 vintage blends 50% Viognier, 30% Grenache Blanc, and 20% Roussanne, delivering a complex, exotic white that Carol Shelton herself calls a “red-drinker's white.”
The nose opens with spicy pear and white peach, framed by almond paste and a delicate kiss of honeysuckle perfume. On the palate, the wine remains crisply dry while offering creaminess and a round, full-bodied mouthfeel, with almond character carrying through to a nuanced finish.
Originated in 2008 to celebrate the winery’s 10th anniversary, Coquille Blanc’s name (ko-keel) evokes shellfish or scallops and the shells depicted on the Shelton family coat of arms. The wine’s shellfish-inspired lineage is complemented by its ability to pair with a range of dishes beyond seafood, including chicken or pork finished with buttery, creamy sauces.
Wine details: 2023 vintage, produced in the San Luis Obispo County AVA, 750ml bottle, Viognier/Grenache Blanc/Roussanne blend. A standout option for fans of white Rhône-style blends seeking depth, texture, and a distinctive flavor profile that stands out from lighter, one-note whites.