2017 Sonoma County "The Derivative" White Wine
57% Russian River Valley Muscadelle, Colombard, and Palomino, Mancini Ranch
29% Sonoma Valley Semillon, Rossi Ranch
14% Sonoma Valley Muscadelle, Pagani Ranch
Interestingly, whites excelled in this hot, early vintage. Our Semillon from Rossi Ranch was picked September 5th while the mixed whites of Mancini Ranch (Colombard, Muscadelle, and Palamino) were picked September 20th. Muscadelle from the historic Pagani Ranch rounded out the components for this wine, coming in on September 28th. Only the Semillon was fermented in wood (albeit old, neutral barrels) while the other components were fermented and aged in all stainless steel. As usual, no malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness and acidity.
Tasting Note:
Pale yellow-gold. Quince, grapefruit, quinine, and a vague suggestion of freshly mowed oats all make an appearance in the moderately intense aromas. Medium-light to medium bodied, flavors of white grapefruit, lemon pith, and flint. Finishes quite energetic with plenty of verve and cut. If your tastes in whites lean towards big and/or oaky and/or buttery, steer clear of this wine. But if you enjoy the crispness and acidity of Loire whites, Albariños, perhaps even the whites of Savoie, then this should be right up your alley. Enjoy from release through 2026. (MRO - 11/01/19)