Palate
In the exceptional 2016 vintage, this classic blend of white Bordeaux varieties has
yielded a seamless combination of alluring aromatics, mouthfilling richness and sophisticated
minerality. The core of sémillon provides lovely textural character along with elegant golden fig and
rose petal notes, while the sauvignon and muscadelle contribute enticing layers of pear, lemon and
orange blossom. Firm acids and excellent minerality add an almost architectural undercurrent to
the creamy texture, keeping this wine delightfully bright and fresh.
Growing Conditions
While the 2016 growing season delivered our fourth year in a row of early
budbreak and flowering, a perfectly timed mid-summer cooldown extended the season. This
provided the grapes with an ideal amount of hangtime, while preserving the natural acidity that is
so integral to our style.
Harvest
With an eye toward acid levels (as opposed to sugars) we harvested our
Lonesome Spring sauvignon blanc on August 25th at 21.3 ̊Brix, with the site’s muscadelle coming
in on September 2nd at 24.8 ̊Brix. Our old-vine sémillon from Rosebud Ranch was picked on
August 26th at 21.5 ̊, while our sémillon from the famed Boushey Vineyard was picked on
September 10th and September 20th at 22.0 ̊ and 23.1 ̊Brix.
Winemaking
To preserve acidity, fresh fruit and floral purity in the warmer 2016 vintage, 100% of
the grapes were whole-cluster pressed. To preserve acidity and varietal character, we allowed only
40% malolactic fermentation, and the final wine was not cold stabilized. As a result, if stored very
cold, it may shed natural tartaric crystals.
Aging
Fermentations were done in both Nomblot concrete tanks
and old Bordeaux barrels, with aging on the lees to enhance texture and aromas. The individual
varieties were blended from our best barrels and tank wine, with a total of 72% concrete aging and
28% barrel aging, with no new oak.
