José Ignacio Cuenca, a true Renaissance man and passionate connoisseur of food and wine, began his winemaking journey in 2008, inspired by the birth of his only son, Mateo. Determined to create something meaningful, he crafted a Californian Pinot Noir in Mateo’s honor, marking the start of a deeply personal project. In 2017, an 8-year-old Mateo was chosen to introduce the Cuban children’s song “Barquito de papel” during UCLA Lab School’s 135th anniversary celebration. The song tells of a child who sets a paper boat adrift, hoping it will carry peace across the world. That day, Mateo drew a small boat—an image that became the label and inspiration for José’s ultimate wine venture. A trip to Sonoma with his friend and distributor Mike Miller led him to vineyard owner Brad Alper and winemaker William Knuttel, and together they brought José’s vision to life with Little Boat—a wine made with heart, meaning, and purpose.
In the signature style of José Ignacio Cuenca, this Chardonnay is elegant, complex, and beautifully balanced. Bright citrus notes ripple across the palate, leading to a clean, lively finish. While approachable now, the wine also shows great aging potential, supported by a refined mineral backbone.
