2020 Sonoma County "The Derivative" White Wine
67% Sonoma Valley Semillon, Rossi Ranch
33% Sonoma Valley Muscadelle, Pagani Ranch
Since we no longer get the old-vine whites of Mancini Ranch, this year’s rendition is more akin to our inaugural 2010 vintage that was composed largely of Semillon with the balance being old-vine Muscadelle from Pagani Ranch. The Semillon was fermented and aged in half stainless and half wood, including one new barrel, while the Muscadelle was fermented and aged entirely in stainless. As usual, no malolactic fermentation and unfined but filtered just prior to bottling to ensure stability.
Tasting Note:
Brilliant light straw-gold. Soaring aromas of Kadota fig, lemon, guava, and herbs. OMG does this smell wonderful! On the palate, much less angular than years past and instead, round and smooth. Generously flavored by a mélange of fig, guava, honeydew melon, and lemongrass, I find this dangerously easy to drink. Unlike any previous Derivative we’ve produced and a huge hit with customers at last spring’s pickup event. Knock this wine back from release through 2026. (MRO - 07/18/22)