One of the greatest joys in this business is the privilege to champion the work of people we adore!  Shaunt and Diego are two of the best, most quintessentially Cali dudes you could ever meet. UC Davis expats that learned to turn rigorous theoretical chops into meaningful action while staging with some of the baddest producers in France.  Their Populis project is the manifestation of a deep belief in making fascinating wines of inspiration that defy expectations without alienating the masses. The whole project can be encapsulated in an off-hand comment Shaunt made: "you can be curious and have precision!"

 

Over the years, the dynamic duo have continued to ask the question: how can we expand on this?  Make each wine more delightful without losing the thread of purity? A dedication to quality through curiosity has led them to an unusual assortment of cellar techniques. What sets the Populis thing apart is ultimately a particular balance of brinksmanship and modesty; the idiosyncratic cellarwork is only ever in service to genuine childlike wonder.  These are jungle gym wines that are funny, surprising and ultimately crushable.