Other White Wines
2013 Tulpen Cellars Vino Blanc
Los Oidos Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley, Washington
A field blend comprised of 47% Rousanne, 33% Marsanne, 13% Picpoul Blanc, 5% Viognier and 2% Grenache Blanc. Co-Fermented.
Highly aromatic and intoxicating scents lychee, peach, buttered pineapple, apricot and golden fig are well integrated with honeyed and butterscotch aromas that lead into hints of white flowers, river rock, vanilla and toasted almonds.
On the palate rich and balanced showing high density, juicy, medium-plus acidity and moderate alcohol. Exuberant flavors of yellow apple, peach, lychee, apricot and melon coat the palate with notes of honey, vanilla, butterscotch, toasted almonds, mineral and white flowers. The finish is long and lingers with delight.
$24 – 92 Points
2015 Côte Bonneville, Riesling
Yakima Valley, Washington
Always the fruit bowl wine, the 2015 Riesling is 100% Estate fruit and is aromatic, complex, balanced, and food friendly. Full of tangerine, orange blossom, honeysuckle, wet stone, jasmine, and white peach. With crisp acidity, this vintage will be especially long lived, if you have the self-restraint!
$22 – 91 Points
2015 Bodegas Naia, Naia
Rueda, Spain
100% Verdejo aged on lees for four months. On the nose, it recalls citrus aromas, stone fruits, such as peach or apricot, and notes of fennel. It is a complex wine on the nose that evolves aromatically in the glass by releasing different nuances. Balanced, dense and unctuous on the palate.
$11 – 91 Points
2015 St. Supéry, Virtú
Napa Valley, California
A blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the 2015 Virtú displays elegant and highly aromatic scents of lychee, pear, lemongrass, lime, white tea, oak and vanilla notes that incorporate notes of salt water taffy, fresh white fig, white flowers/elderflower, grapefruit and light honey.
The palate is round and creamy from sur-lie maturation. Flavors explode on the palate as they did on the nose; Lychee, mandarin, orange blossom and honeysuckle, white tea, pear syrup, lemongrass, vanilla, French oak and grapefruit flavors on the back end. Acidity is medium+ in this full-bodied white. The vibrant finish is long and lingering.
$25 – 92 Points
2015 Paolo Scavino, Sorriso
Langhe, Italy
A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.
Aromas are medium-plus in complexity and intensity showing scents of lemongrass, lime, star fruit, grapefruit and lighter fruit nuances of white peach, green apple and gooseberry. Laced well with great mineral scents, wet concrete, wild flowers and sage.
Bright on the palate with vibrant, zesty acidity. Flavors reinforce the aromas. Crisp green apple, grapefruit and lemongrass are most predominant, followed by lime, star fruit, gooseberry and a hint of kumquat layered with mineral and stone, flowers and hints of wild sage. Long on the finish.
$20 – 91 Points
2013 Trisaetum, Riesling Estate Reserve
Willamette Valley, Oregon
A blend of the estates top barrels from 100% Estate Vineyards in Ribbon Ridge, Coast Range, Wichmann and Dundee AVA's.
Aromas burst from the glass showing a complex array of honeyed apples, peach, nectarine and apricot fruits with hints of Meyer lemon. Ancillary scents show light caramel and honeysuckle with river rock and heather. Medium dry on the palate strutting impeccable balance and unctuous peach, apricot and nectarine flavors with caramel apples and Meyer lemon that are completely wrapped in notes of honeycomb, delicate white flowers and minerality that flow across the palate with great weight and texture leading to the lingering finish. Overall an exceptional wine that is hard to resist now, but has an ability to age well too.
2016 Palencia, Albariño
Ancient Lakes Vineyard, Washington State
Nicely detailed aromatics show starfruit, melon, green apple and cucumber notes that mingle with white flowers, mineral and jasmine.
Juicy on the palate showing great acidity and flavors of green apple, starfruit, melon, white peach and white flowers that show hints of lemongrass, mineral and jasmine.
2013 Latta, Roussanne, Lawrence Vineyard
Columbia Valley, Washington
Whole cluster pressed and native fermented in barrel, a mix of barriques and puncheons with 20% new French oak. Aged in barrel for 16 months. This is the current vintage for this wine.
Decadent aromas are somewhat reminiscent of a vin de paille or a late harvest wine. Rich and honeyed notes of kumquat, mango, pear tart tatin and mandarin with subtle notes of honeysuckle, white tea, vanilla, crème anglaise and lemon meringue. The palate struts fleshy textures, density and weight that are well balanced by the acidity, which keeps this from being to heavy or fat. Dry on the palate and revealing rich flavors that mimic the nose showing flavor that marry notes of lemon curd, kumquat, golden mango, and nectarine with mandarin, baked pear and meringue. Additional flavors of beeswax, honey, white tea, honeysuckle, cardamom and vanilla with hints of wet stone and fresh baked pastry linger through the finish.
2014 Fuedo Principi di Butera, Insolia
Sicilia, Italy
Clean and bright on the nose with aromas that show citrus, yellow apple, crushed white flowers, chalk, salt and stone minerals with light touches of herbs and quince.
Dry on the palate with above moderate acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh, also making it a brilliant food wine. Delicious flavors of yellow apple and lemon zest mix with quince, crushed white flowers, sea salt, rock and trace of herb. lingers lightly on the finish.
2015 Domaine des Cassagnoles, Cuvée Gros Manseng Reserve Selection
Côtes de Gascogne, France
Great aromatics are expressive showing notes of chalk, saline, pear, melon and lemon pith with lighter nuances of lemongrass and ginger.
The palate is impressive displaying creamy textures from the lees contact, juicy vibrant acidity and rich layered flavors of pear, melon, citrus, lychee, ginger and lemon grass with chalk and mineral that is seamlessly hemmed in from the entry to the lasting mouth-coating finish.
2015 La Piuma, Pecorino
Terre Di Chieti IGT, Italy
Aromas are expressive with notes of lemon, Veracruz orange zest, melon, orchard blossoms, verbena and soft pink peppercorn with additional scents of minerality.
The palate is clean and juicy with bright citrus acidity. Flavors show lemon, orange sorbet, white peach and melon that weaves in verbena, orange blossom, slate and saline minerality with a floral pink pepper nuance. Lingers nicely on the finish.
2015 Reynvaan Family Vineyards, Grenache Blanc
The Rocks District, Oregon
100% In The Rocks Vineyard Grenache Blanc.
A nose of orange marmalade, nectarine and apricot scents carry notes of river rock, brioche, delicate honeysuckle, wild flowers and linen.
The palate is brimming with flavor, juicy-fresh acidity and a gorgeous, voluptuous creamy texture. Notes of orange marmalade, ripe apricot, nectarine, brioche, wet stone and cream with hints of honeysuckle and orange blossom. The finish lingers effortlessly showing balance. Impressive depth, complexity and the texture in this well made wine.
NV Bodegas Dios Baco, Ria Pita Manzanilla
Sanlúcar de Barameda D.O. Spain
Beautiful and abundant aromas show notes of chamomile, roasted and salted almonds and hazelnut, ocean mist, an aspen meadow in the fall and hints of pencil box, dried white figs and seasoned wood.
Bone dry on the palate with great acidity and the beautiful salinity Sanlúcar da Barrameda is known for. Flavors of salted Marcona almonds, chamomile tea, mineral, dried white fig, dried leaves and a hint of salted popcorn. Persistent through the lasting finish.
NV Conde de Aldama, Palo Cortado Edicion Limitada
Manzanilla de Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain
The Aldama family was among the most prominent in Sanlúcar
during the 19th century, with vast vineyard and stock holdings. In 1888 the Conde de Aldama sealed his best botas in plaster to protect their value and to prevent their admixture with wines from grafted vines. The botas remained sealed until 1927, at which time the Aldama heirs, facing ruin, liquidated their stocks to begin monastic life. Until acquisition by Francisco Yuste in the early 21st century, only the natural ullage has been replaced. Estimated average age is measured in centuries!
Undoubtedly the best sherry I have ever experienced... Extremely intense on the nose and palate with an intense finish that lasts longer than anything I have tasted before. Dry with an impeccable salinity that gives way to intense roasted Marcona almonds and other nuts, maple, chamomile, maple, dried orange zest, raisin and dried apricots that weave perfectly with leather, tobacco and fall leaves. Absolutely stunning..... Absolutely amazing!
2015 Domaine Huet, Vouvray Molleux Le Mont
Vouvray France
Deep golden in color not dissimilar to cider and showing a nose with moderate intensity with a level above that in complexity.
Scents of dried mango, poached pear, quince and golden apple sauce with notes of honey, chamomile, fresh grated ginger and more delicate aromas of herbs, salted caramel, pastry dough, butternut squash and fall leaves.
The energetic palate struts fleshy texture, and semi-sweet full flavors of quince paste, creamed apple, pear and apricot marmalade with pastry, ginger, salted caramel, white sage, chamomile, honey and desert paintbrush nectar.
Long through the finish showing balance between sugars and acidity.
2013 Királyudvar, Tokaji Furmint Sec
Tokaji, Hungary
Deep gold color and intense aromas of green apple, pear, green melon, chalk, salt and slate with light touches of honey and oxidative notes.
Upon entry blazing acidity awakes the palate. You can still sense the viscosity of the wine but the acidity cuts right through it. Flavors on the palate mimic the nose with slightly oxidative notes; green apple, star fruit and pear mingle with chalk, fall leaves, sea spray, almond and honeyed notes. The finish lingers.
2015 Cantina Roccafiore, Grechetto Fiorfiore
Todi Superiore, Italy
100% Grechetto di Todi aged 12 months in Slovenian oak and
4 months in bottle.
Aromas show delicate yellow and white flowers, golden apple, melon, pear, and hints of pineapple with mineral and light traces of oak and spice.
The elegant palate is impeccably graceful. Acidity brings a freshness and vibrancy to the palate. Flavors pineapple, golden apple and ripe melon are laced with minerality, delicate flowers, oak and spice that are focused and precise. The finish sails on like a ship that never reaches the horizon.
2014 Albrecht, Riesling Tradition
Alsace, France
Aromas are intense and spot on for the region. This Riesling shows wonderful notes of petrol, delicate flowers, slate, saline and a mix of apricot, peach, nectarine, melon kumquat and citrus zest.
Great focus on the palate with racy, mouth-watering acidity. This dry Riesling shows flavors of lime, kumquat, white peach, nectarine and apricot carry with them notes of petrol, mineral and delicate lingering florals. Long through the finish.
2016 Darioush, Viognier
Napa Valley, California
Absolutely engaging on both the nose and palate.
First the scents of beautiful honeysuckle and orange blossom hit the nose followed by tangerine, nectarine and apricot with a light nuance of Himalayan salt, lemongrass and pink peppercorn.
The palate if fresh and is voluptuous without being fat or heavy. Flavors echo the nose showing notes of tangerine, nectarine, apricot, orange blossom and honeysuckle all seasoned with mineral and lemongrass spice. The finish is long and elegant.
2010 Radikon, Jakot
Venezia Giulia IGT, Italy
100% Tocai Friulano. Maceration in oak vats for 2-4 months, matured in oak casks for 4 years before then being bottle aged for another to 2 years!
Golden orange in color and slightly cloudy.
The nose is intense and complex with an initial burst of tropical fruits, kumquat and stone fruits that quickly transition to show saffron, almond, saline and seasoned wood aromas with lighter nuances of yellow flowers, beeswax, leather and tobacco leaf.
The palate is intense with focused acidity, and chewy woody-tannins that play from entry through the long finish. Flavors are complex and show a mix of tropical fruits of pineapple, papaya, passion fruit and mango that meet fruit notes juicy apricot, kumquat and white peach. The notes of dry roasted and salted almonds, saffron and yellow flower quickly make their presence known while traces of tobacco leaf, old wood and leather add depth. The finish is long letting the structural components play out while the flavors linger on.
One of the most unique wines in the world.
2016 Ixsir, Altitudes Blanc
Lebanon
40% Obeideh, 40% Muscat and 205 Viognier
Intense aromas flow from the glass showing abundant floral tones, lemon, grapefruit and kiwi notes along with subtle spice.
The palate shows an abundance of flavor, floral laced notes of grapefruit, rambutan, lemon-lime and spice. Unctuous texture with moderate+ weight and mouth watering acidity. Lengthy through the finish.
2015 K Vintners, Viognier
Columbia Valley, Washington
100% Viognier; Native yeast fermentation; 20% new French oak puncheons 18 months barrel-aged on lees.
At the proper temperature the nose shows an abundance of white fig, quince paste, lychee, nectarine, orange zest and blossoms, cheese Danish, vanilla custard, sweet spice and honeysuckle.
The palate shows balance in voluptuous density, creamy textures and bright acidity. The palate delivers flavors of poached pear, white fig, quince, lychee and nectarine with delicate orange blossom and honeysuckle notes that bring in notes of baking spice, pastry and vanilla custard that all show great length through the finish.
2016 Storybook Mountain, Viognier
Napa Valley, California
This is 100% estate fruit, certified Organic. Barrel fermented to dryness and then barrel aged on its lees, this sensual white wine is unusually aromatic and flavorful, with an exceptionally full middle palate. Focus and refreshing, Storybook Viognier has been long regarded as the most French of California renderings of this grape. Aroma suggestive of Bosc pears, apricots and wild flowers, followed by a silky richness on the palate, enhanced by hints of peaches. The richness is then tempered, not only by the outstanding acid balance of the wine but also its focused, refreshing and lasting finish.
2016 Calçada, Reserva, Vinho Verde
DOC, Portugal
This wine comes from the oldest vines in Vinho Verde and is 100% estate fruit with no CO2 added. This is a serious Vinho Verde and stands heads and shoulders above the multitude of V.V. wines on the market.
Complex with apple and pear details that show notes of peach, almond, brine, pineapple skin and minerality that all come alive on the palate with crisp acidity that lingers through the long finish with intensity.
2016 Domaine Sigalas, Assyrtiko Epta Fira
Santorini, Greece
100% Assyrtiko aged 1 year on lees in stainless steel tank.
1 of 7 bottling’s that represent different villages on the island. This contains 100% fruit from the village of Fira.
The nose is already showing some moderate complexities with woven notes sea salt, delicate white flower, beeswax, apple, lemon and hints of lychee.
The palate shows focused acidity, not as austere as other styles showing rounded edges. Persistent flavors of apple, lemon zest, lychee and melon with notes of white flowers, sea salt, honeycomb and a trace of almond. Lingering pleasantly through the finish.
2016 Marziano Abbona, Cinerino
Langhe DOC, Italy
100% Viognier-Pressed into, Fermented and aged in French Oak and Acacia for 7 months with a weekly batônnage. The wine’s name comes from the grey herons that occasionally stop in the lake beside the vineyards.
Aromas show delicate florals on top of the peach, white nectarine, melon and acacia notes that incorporate small touches of citrus, honey and saline.
The palate is round, with medium-plus body and a fleshy texture. The bright acidity is moderate-plus and lifts the fruit flavors of peach, citrus, melon and nectarine up as it moves across the palate. Flavors of honeysuckle, orchard blossom, honey and saline join the fruit and play on through the long finish.
NV Emilio Lustau, Almacenista, Palo Cortado Cayetano del Pino 1/22
Jerez-Xérès Sherry, Spain
The limited Solera of this Palo Cortado comprises only 22 casks. Aged in American oak casks in the traditional “Solera y Criaderas” system in Jerez de la Frontera. This exceptional Palo Cortado has an average ageing period of 20 years.
Aromatically abundant with notes of walnut, toasted hazelnut and maple with dried orange zest, dried white fig, lacquered oak and crushed dried leaves.
The palate is dry, rich, deep and complex with notes of toasted walnut and hazelnuts that fold in nuances of dried orange zest, maple, fall leaves, dates and white fig with hints of spice and oak. Long through the decadent finish.
Quite exceptional!
2016 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
A blend of 45% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 20% Bourboulenc and 5% barrel fermented Roussanne. Extensive lees contact during aging.
Once the wine opens up scents of quince, nectarine, citrus and white flowers with honeyed notes, scents of ginger and wet stone.
The palate has an unctuous streak with above moderate viscosity, acid and alcohol. Flavors follow stride from the nose with quince, nectarine, tangerine with a honeyed edge that flows into notes of candied ginger for a spicy kick that lingers through the lengthy finish.
2016 Baracchi, Trebbiano, Astore
Toscana IGT, Italy
100% Trebbiano. Light skin maceration boots the phenolics and color in this wine. After fermentation this wine remains on lees until malolactic is complete then is naturally clarified and sees six months of further ageing before release.
A beautiful golden color lures you in before the scents of baked apple pie, quince, white peach and pineapple are laced with notes of white flowers, herbs, gin and almond.
The palate is broad and intense while showing complexity and grace. The acidity keeps this wine fresh and lively while flavors of lemon, baked apple, quince, white peach melon and pineapple dance across the palate with notes of white flowers, herbs, almond and mineral. The finish is long and as intense as the entry.
2017 Celler de Cérvoles, Vinyes Altes de Les Garrigues
Costers del Segre, Spain
Fermented and aged 8 months on their own lees in a “Foudre” and in French oak new barrels with a frequent bâtonnage.
Intense aromas waft from the glass with intoxicating scents of salted almonds, white fig, crisp pear, star fruit, yellow apple, kumquat, jasmine and chamomile come with notes of oak, golden tobacco, herbs, stone and earth.
The palate is just as intense showing structure with high acidity and medium-minus tannins. Unctuous and textured. Flavors show a complex mix apple, pear, white cherry, starfruit, kumquat and white fig highlighted by the oak tones that also come with notes of almond, saline, jasmine and chamomile, rock and rosemary like herbs.
2018 Alzinger, Grüner Veltliner, Smaragd,
Ried Steinerta
Wachau, Austria
Precise and exuberant showing notes of white chocolate that mix with apple, mango, pink peppercorn, herbs, sea spray and hints of lemongrass and delicate flowers. The palate offers mouth-watering acidity while the creamy mouthfeel and textures lend to the richness of this wine that lingers on and on unending, echoing all the nuances detected on the nose.
2018 Domaine Gayda, En Passant Blanc
Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
75% Chardonnay and 25% Viognier
Scents show layers of citrus with lemon, orange and grapefruit with hints of white peach, nectarine and kumquat that bring in floral scents of orange blossom, honeysuckle and lily. Hints of wet stone, verbena and saline.
The palate is bright and playful. Above moderate acid structure and full fleshy textures. flavors show nectarine, kumquat, orange, lemon, peach and apple fruits with a gorgeous presence of florals that linger before revealing some rock and mineral components. Very Fresh, very fun and open style.
2016 Calera, Viognier
Mt. Harlan, California
100% Viognier aged 14 months sur lie in 60% Neutral French oak, 30% Concrete vats and 10% Stainless steel.
Undoubtedly the most terroir driven Viogniers in the states.
Scents are full on the nose that show a chalky edge with hints of saline to the aromas of Meyer lemon, white peach, apricot, nectarine and tropical melon that show notes of rich meringue, lemongrass, jasmine, honeysuckle, acacia and river stones.
The palate is beautifully textured, full and supple. Rich Flavors coat the palate in notes of luscious peach, lemon curd, nectarine, apricot and meringue with notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, chalk and saline that are long on the attack. Juicy and fresh acidity help keep the wine balanced. Long and complex through the finish.
2018 Quady North, Pistoleta
Rogue Valley, Oregon
A Rhône style blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc fermented and aged in a combination of Acacia and amphora with some lees contact.
The aromas are fresh and pretty showing notes of melon, starfruit, stone fruits, honeysuckle, acacia flowers, orchard blossoms, saline, river stones and traces of pink peppercorn.
The palate is fully textured with nice viscosity and weight. Acidity lifts and keeps the brightness on the palate. The flavor spectrum echo's the nose with ripe white peach, melon, nectarine, orchard blossoms, honeysuckle, acacia, pink peppercorn, rock and mineral.
2017 Trisaetum, Pinot Noir Nuit Blanche
Willamette Valley, Oregon
The Nuit Blanche is a barrel fermented and an aged white wine made from 100% estate Pinot Noir.
Gorgeous in the glass with a brilliant rose gold color.
Aromas blossom at the proper temperature to show notes of delicate floral notes of jasmine, rose petal and cherry blossom that weave into notes of white raspberry, white peach, melon, cherry juice and quince that reveals hints of river rock and saline in the background.
The palate shows a creamy textured wine with surprising almost-moderate tannins/phenolic level with juicy acidity. Flavors show quince, melon, white peach, strawberry and white raspberry that floral notes of jasmine, rose, water and orchard blossoms quickly chime into and are rounded out with a saline and chalky presence. The finish lingers gracefully.
2018 Charles Lachaux, Bourgogne Aligoté ‘Les Champs d’Argent’
Bourgone-Aligoté, France
From a parcel in the commune of Vosne-Romanée that was planted in the 1930s and 1990s. Whole clusters directly pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation in barrel. Aged for 12 months in barrel (no new oak), unfined, unfiltered. No added sulfur and the result is no less than spectacular. Aromas burst from the glass showing notes of lemon citrus, grapefruit, pear, herbs, wild flower, a touch of struck match, smoke and chalk.
The palate is supple with a creamy, almost waxy texture. Lively acidity is engaging and flavors of pear, lemon peel, grapefruit, chalk, wild flowers and light herbs sail through the finish!
2018 Winderlea, Pinot Blanc
McMinnville, Oregon
100% Pinot Blanc aged 9 months in 28% clay amphora, 56% neutral French oak barrel and 16% stainless steel.
Intriguing on the nose with detailed scents of lychee, melon, pear, guava, lime zest and white peach with additional aromas of barrel accents, river rock, fresh thyme, coriander and jasmine and almond flowers.
The palate has a nice weight and an unctuous, creamy, almost waxy texture. Moderate-plus acidity lifts the palate. Flavors of lychee, guava, lime zest, tropical melon and white peach that brings in notes of herbs, jasmine, flowers, coriander, riverstone and minerals. The finish lingers pleasantly.
2017 E. Guigal, Condrieu ‘La Doriane’
Condrieu, France
Produced from the top 5 terroirs of this famed appellation, La Doriane is an extremely intense wine with a complex range of aromas that come packed with notes of ripe apricot, orange marmalade, peach and nectarine that accompany scents of toasted almond, honeysuckle and praline.
Full bodied on the palate with rich and voluptuous textures. Densely packed with intense flavors of honeyed peach, apricot, marmalade, nectarine toasted almond, Danish pastry, honeysuckle and hints of exotic spice. The finish is unctuous and delightful.
2018 Julien Pilon, Hermitage Blanc ‘Prisme’
Hermitage, France
1100% Marsanne with 18 months of aging in large oak barrels 50% new.
Beautiful and intense aromas leap from the glass providing the senses with notes of apricot, quince, pear and papaya that come with scents of ginger syrup, toasted brioche, honeysuckle and almond.
The palate is rich and creamy with fleshy textures but completely balanced with acidity. A slight bitter tone underlines the notes of quince paste, papaya, poached pear, papaya, ginger syrup, almond, honeysuckle and brioche. The unctuous finish sails on at length
2018 Pichler-Krutzler Grüner Veltliner Dürnstein
Wachau, Austria
Plentiful aromas show notes of melon, lychee, white peach, papaya and plantain with notes of white chocolate, pink peppercorn, flint and hints of lemongrass, ground ginger and river stones.
The palate shows an almost creamy texture and has good weight that mingles with above moderate acidity and phenolics. The palate shows a great concentration of fruit with notes of melon, lychee, green papaya, and plantain with lemon oil, white chocolate, pink peppercorn, ground ginger, flint, gunmetal and saline. The finish is dry and gripping.
2017 Viña Otano, Rioja Blanco
Rioja, Spain
75% Viura and 25% Tempranillo Blanco both from a single vineyard and 90 year old vines. Barrel fermented in new French oak and matured in the same barrel for 4 months.
Aromas show notes of pear, oxidized white peach and yellow apple with notes of white fig, almond oil, white flowers, sea breeze, Autumn leaves and chalk that give way to hints of vanilla, butterscotch and oak staves.
The palate shows the weight of the Viura along with a clean acidity profile and moderate phenolics. Flavors of pear and yellow apple come with notes of slightly oxidized white peach and nectarine, white flowers, almonds and filberts, mineral, earth and oak. The finish lingers moderately.
2016 Santo Wines, Assyrtiko Reserve
Santorini, Greece
years old. Partially barrel fermented, aged at least 12 months, with at least 6 months in medium-toast 225L oak barrels.
Deep golden color in the glass with brass-like hues.
The nose shows a wonderfully complex mixture of scents that incorporate honeyed notes of apple, pear, lychee, quince and nectarine that are laced with minerality, sea spray, orchard flowers, honeysuckle and notes of vanilla, butterscotch, nuts, autumn leaves and hints of whole nutmeg.
The palate shows high acidity that comes packed with great minerality that reverberates from the entry all the way through the finish. The palate reveals the notes of oxidized orchard fruits, quince paste, kumquat, lychee, honey roasted nuts, Indian paintbrush, vanilla, spice and expressed orange oil. The finish is long and salinic.
2019 Keplinger, Eldorado
Sierra Foothils, California
57% Viognier, 26% Roussanne, and 17% Grenache Blanc. The Viognier was fermented and aged in a concrete egg; the Roussanne was fermented and aged in a once-used 300L French Oak barrel. The Grenache Blanc was pressed to neutral oak for its fermentation. After native fermentations, the wines were aged sur lees for 18 months.
Aromas show high intensity with scents of apricot, quince, guava, papaya and nectarine that are perfumed with notes of lanolin, honeysuckle, chamomile and yellow wildflowers and finish with notes of river stone, rocky earth and hints of spice.
The palate shows richness alongside above moderate acidity. The mouthfeel is fleshy with an almost waxy feel. Flavors of apricots, quince paste, tropical fruits and hints of citrus that come with florals, stone and mineral and finishes with spice that linger through the long finish.
2020 Zarate, Albariño ‘El Palomar’
Rías Baixas, Spain
From the oldest, pre phylloxera Albariño vineyard in Rias Baixas. The wine is fermented and aged in a large, old 22 HL foudre and encouraged to finish its malolactic fermentation. The wine sees time on both its gros lees as well as the fine lees during its 9-month aging.
The nose displays notes of preserved lemon, crunchy white raspberry and white peach, apricot, kumquat, sea mist, crushed rock and hits of lavender, lanolin and Spring flowers.
The palate shows a lovely entry with nice viscosity and weight. Fresh and piercing acidity provides tension. Lovely fruit play on the palate with notes of lemon, white peach, apricots, kumquat and quince that play in concert with notes of saline, orange blossom water, honeysuckle, and subtle notes of pink peppercorn and herbs. The zesty, stony finish lingers.
2014 Scubla, Pomedes Bianco
Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
A blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Friulano and 10% Riesling Renano, from the best selections of the year. Fermented in 50% new wooden barriques and tonneaux, frequent manual "batonage" for 7 months, then the wine is assembled and aged in steel tanks for another year.
Light gold in the glass with straw tones. The nose shows a beautiful mineral cut with a seaside presence, wildflowers, fennel pollen, almonds, dried lemon peel, quince, starfruit, slightly dried tropical fruits and notes autumn leaves weave in as well before faint hints of butterscotch and plantain peek through.
The palate reveals a wine that has good structure with above moderate acidity and phenolics along with texture and mid-palate density. Flavors follow the nose with a complex array of chalk, sea mist, oyster shell, dried lemon, carambola, slightly dried mango and guava, quince, almonds, light butterscotch, dried flowers, and earth. The finish lingers with intrigue.
2020 Alphonse Mellot, Sancerre Satellite
Sancerre, France
Blending five vineyards (and soil types including marl, limestone and sandstone laminae) in Chavignol, Mellot's 2020 Sancerre Satellite is sensational.
Opening with notes of starfruit, yellow plum, and lime zest that are balanced by the notes of crushed oyster shell, wet stone, delicate florals, sea mist, and quince.
Racy on the palate with structured acidity and moderate phenolics. Elegant and youthful there is some nice tension here. Flavors come with notes of starfruit, quince, Rainier cherry, lime zest, orchard blossom, saline, crushed rock and mineral. The wine finishes with grip and poise.
2018 Santo Wines, Nykteri Reserve
Santorini, Greece
A blend of 75% Assyrtiko, 15% Aidani and 10% Athiri aged for nine months in an equal mixture of new and second use French barriques.
Scents show notes of tropical fruits and apple that combine with sea mist, minerals, delicate yellow and white flowers, vanilla and a hint of honey and spice on the back end.
The palate shows richness with a creamy and textured mouthfeel balanced precisely by bright acidity and ripe phenolics. Layers of flavors coat the palate and reveal vanilla poached pears, tropical fruits of dried mango and pineapple, sea mist, minerals, delicate florals, honey and barrel spice. Balanced, precise and long through the finish.