2023 Sonoma County "The Derivative" White Wine
48% Sonoma Valley Semillon, Justi Creek Vineyards
29% Sonoma Valley Semillon, Rossi Ranch
23% Sonoma Valley Muscadelle, Pagani Ranch
Since 2016, the Semillon component for this wine has come exclusively from the historic Rossi Ranch. But in this vintage, we supplemented our 1.6 tons of Rossi Semillon with 2.6 tons of Semillon from the nearby head-pruned vines of Justi Creek Vineyards, also organically farmed by Phil Coturri. Both lots of Semillon were picked on October 7th while the 101-year-old Muscadelle vines at Pagani Ranch were picked on October 12th. Another Semillon-heavy rendition similar to recent vintages, we liked how the Muscadelle gave focus and precision to the final wine. Aged in a mix of neutral demi-muids (41%) and stainless steel (59%). Filtered for bottle stability (since the wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation) but not fined.
Tasting Note:
Pale straw-yellow. An intensely perfumed nose of bergamot, pear, quince, and lemongrass. Very Bordeaux Blanc-like. The wine enters with a lovely glycerol feel and displays flavors of quinine, lemon, pink grapefruit, and beeswax. Fruity, yet also savory. A slight and very pleasing salty earthiness emerges in the finish as well. Easily our best and most complex Derivative. Also, the last white wine we will offer. Drink from release to 2036. (MRO - 01/15/26)