Inman Family Wines 'Whole Buncha Love' 2022
Light-bodied Red / Skin-contact Rose Hybrid. A 'chillable' red style often referred to as a 'Glou-Glou' wine, intended for fresh, early consumption. · Inman Family Wines, founded by Kathleen Inman. A family-owned, boutique winery in the Russian River Valley known for small-lot, high-quality, and sustainably farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Vintage: 2022. The vintage was characterized by a warm growing season and a notable heat wave in September that accelerated ripening, resulting in wines with intense fruit profiles while maintaining the signatures of their cool-climate origins.
Type
Light-bodied Red / Skin-contact Rose Hybrid. A 'chillable' red style often referred to as a 'Glou-Glou' wine, intended for fresh, early consumption.
Producer
Inman Family Wines, founded by Kathleen Inman. A family-owned, boutique winery in the Russian River Valley known for small-lot, high-quality, and sustainably farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Country
United States. California is a global leader in New World wine production, with Sonoma County serving as a premier destination for Burgundian varietals due to its diverse microclimates.
Vintage
2022. The vintage was characterized by a warm growing season and a notable heat wave in September that accelerated ripening, resulting in wines with intense fruit profiles while maintaining the signatures of their cool-climate origins.
Region & Appellation
Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California. This region is world-renowned for its cool-climate viticulture, specifically its fog-influenced mornings and evenings which preserve acidity in grape varieties like Pinot Noir.
Grape Varieties
A unique blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Pinot Gris. Both varieties belong to the same genetic family; Pinot Noir provides structure and berry notes, while Pinot Gris adds floral lift and stone fruit zest.
Color & Appearance
Vibrant, translucent ruby-pink with bright clarity. Its light intensity and absence of a heavy rim variation reflect its youthful nature and lack of heavy extraction.
Aroma Profile
Playful and aromatic with primary notes of wild strawberry, pomegranate, and watermelon. Subtle floral secondary aromas of rose petal and a hint of white pepper evolve as it opens.
Tasting Notes
A refreshingly unconventional wine with a bright attack of tart cherry and citrus zest. The mid-palate is light and bouncy, leading to a clean, crisp finish that invites another sip. It is defined by its energy and lift rather than depth or weight.
Flavor Profile
Dominant flavors of red forest berries, pink grapefruit, and nectarine. There is a distinct mineral streak and an herbaceous snap that keeps the fruit profile from becoming overly sweet.
Body & Texture
Light-bodied with a weight similar to a heavy rosé. The texture is smooth and slightly slippery due to the Pinot Gris, with a refreshing, snappy mouthfeel.
Acidity & Tannins
High, mouth-watering acidity that provides great freshness. Tannins are very low and soft, specifically managed through the whole cluster fermentation to provide just enough grip without any bitterness.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry. Despite the fruity aromatics, the wine has very low residual sugar, balanced perfectly by its racy acidity.
Alcohol Content
Approximately 12.5% to 13.0%. This lower-than-average alcohol level for California red wine ensures the wine stays light on its feet and highly drinkable.
Aging & Oak
Aged primarily in neutral French oak or stainless steel to preserve the primary fruit. There is little to no oak flavor influence (no vanilla or toast), allowing the fruit and fermentation character to shine.
Food Pairings
Ideal for picnics, grilled salmon, charcuterie boards with salty cheeses, or spicy Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Its acidity cuts through fats and balances spice beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled at 45–55°F (7–13°C). Best enjoyed in a universal white wine glass or a stemless tumbler for a casual setting. Does not require decanting.
Price Range
Approximately $35.00 - $45.00. It is a premium boutique product with limited production, offering high quality and a unique exploration of the Russian River Valley.
Quality Assessment
90-92 points. An exceptional example of the 'new' California style that prioritizes freshness over power. It is highly regarded for its balance and pure expression of the Pinot cultivars.
Production Methods
Utilizes 'whole bunch' (whole cluster) fermentation, where intact grape clusters are fermented to add aromatic complexity and structure. Minimal intervention and native yeast are often hallmarks of the Inman cellar.
Terroir
Goldridge soils of the Russian River Valley—a fine, sandy loam that offers excellent drainage. The maritime influence from the Pacific Ocean provides the cool temperatures necessary for this light, high-acid style.
History & Heritage
Kathleen Inman is a pioneer in the 'slow wine' movement in Sonoma. She has been a vocal advocate for balanced wines and sustainable practices long before they became mainstream in the region.
Interesting Facts
The wine is a play on the classic Led Zeppelin song 'Whole Lotta Love,' and the psychedelic label design reflects the 1960s/70s rock aesthetic, emphasizing its fun and approachable spirit.
Cellaring Potential
Intended to be drunk young and fresh. Drink now through 2026. While it won't spoil, it lacks the structure for long-term aging and will lose its vibrant fruit profile after 3–4 years.
Similar Wines
Cru Beaujolais (Gamay), Jura Reds (Poulsard), or other 'New California' producers like Martha Stoumen or Broc Cellars.