Mon Petit Chou 2022, Coquelicot Estate

In the glass, Mon Petit Chou is a vivid ruby, and the aromatics jump out with an immediate sense of brightness. Fresh red cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry set the tone, joined by floral notes of violets and dried rose petal. With a little air, the nose deepens into darker fruit tones—plum and blackberry—layered with savory edges of tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and a faint whisper of graphite. There’s a playful energy here, the kind of lift that keeps you coming back to the glass.

On the palate, the wine opens with a lively, almost electric burst of acidity that makes the fruit feel mouthwatering and crisp. The mid-palate broadens into a juicy core of ripe plum and brambly berry, supple and generous without being heavy. As it trails off, structure begins to assert itself: fine-grained tannins and a subtle mineral edge give the finish grip and definition, ensuring the wine feels complete and balanced. It’s a red that marries charm and precision—bright and juicy at first, then steadily revealing its depth, like a conversation that grows more interesting the longer it goes on.

About the Winery

Nestled just outside Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, Coquelicot Estate takes its name from the bright red French poppy—an emblem of both whimsy and resilience. Since achieving organic certification in 2007, the estate has been dedicated to thoughtful, sustainable farming, with biodiversity and soil health at the core of its philosophy.

In the cellar, winemaking is low-intervention and precise: fermentations are led by native yeasts, oak is used with a gentle hand, and wines are bottled with minimal fining or filtration. The result is a lineup that consistently favors freshness and balance over sheer power. From crisp whites to structured reds, Coquelicot’s wines carry a clear signature of place: California sunshine framed by coastal breezes, expressed with elegance and restraint.

Mon Petit Chou is a perfect encapsulation of the estate’s spirit—approachable, expressive, and crafted with a wink of charm. It’s a wine that speaks fluently in both fruit and structure, embodying what makes the Santa Ynez Valley such a dynamic corner of California wine.