From Cigars (Flying) to the Rhône Ranger to Popelouchum, Randall Grahm has a long history of reimagining the traditions of France in a distinctly personal way.

The Language of Yes (a distinctly odd name) is Randall’s next chapter. A continued exploration of the central California Coast through small-batch vinous experiments, light touches and a deep love of the land.

If the grapes and soil have anything at all to say, we cannot imagine a more faithful interpreter.

Beginning Summer of 2023, we will have a home, or at least a sort of ad hoc billet – I believe the young ‘uns call it a “pop-up” – through the fall at the Edna Valley Vineyard Tasting Room in, you guessed it, Edna Valley, located at 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

If you haven’t yet visited, Edna Valley is a dramatically beautiful space and well worth the trip. I’m hoping to make a few appearances there myself over the next few months and will keep you thoroughly apprised of such doings. TLOY wines will be available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended, though walk-ins will be accommodated when possible.

Overall, 2022 was an excellent vintage in the Central Coast, and the vineyards from which these grapes derive did not suffer the debilitating effects of unseasonably warm weather. The Cinsaut and Grenache received substantial skin contact to enhance the fruit expression of the wine. The 2% addition of Tibouren may seem like a homeopathic addition but adds additional complexity.

"The Language of Yes is the latest project from winemaking legend Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard fame. Made in hommage to the great rosé wines of southern France. Randall's decades of experience really show in this category leading rosé. Mostly Grenache from Rancho Real Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, but with contributions from Cinsault and the obscure grape Tibouren." -Winemaker Notes

"The 2022 Pink Wine Les Fruits Rouges is a blend of 72% Grenache, 26% Cinsault and 2% Tibouren, which were left on skins overnight. Malolactic conversion was blocked, and the wine was matured in stainless steel and neutral French barriques. Pale salmon-pink in color, it explodes with pretty scents of cantaloupe, dried herbs, citrus peel and wafts of potpourri. The light-bodied palate is fresh and spicy, offering a core of concentrated, mineral-laced fruit and a long, juicy finish that calls you back to the glass. This is so easy to drink, and it will pair widely at the table. 1,300 cases were made." -Wine Advocate

"A healthy, hearty salmon-pink color leads to meaty, plummy, lightly earthy aromas and mellow raspberry and cantaloupe flavors on a smooth texture. This composed and well-balanced wine is 52% cinsault, 42% grenache with small amounts of syrah and tibouren. It’s refreshing but also concentrated and long. Screw cap. Drink now." -James Suckling