2010 Sonoma County "The Derivative" White Wine
76% Sonoma Valley Semillon, Monte Rosso Vineyard
24% Sonoma Valley Muscadelle, Pagani Ranch
What’s this? Another white wine in the Carlisle stable? Yep, and we’re absolutely crazy for it! Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a popular style of white wine in California called "hock". It was a dry wine consisting of the white grape varieties widely planted at that time, Semillon, Muscadelle, Chasselas, French Colombard, Trousseau gris, and Putzscheere to name a few. Using 76% barrel-fermented Semillon from Monte Rosso (planted 1886) and 24% stainless-fermented Muscadelle from Pagani Ranch (planted 1920), we have created a modern day version, a derivative if you will, of this century-old style.
Tasting Note:
Pale yellow with a touch of green-gold. Aeration and slight warming reveals aromas of lemon curd, white fig, clove, ginger, and a faint hint of honey. Quite smooth and suave on entry with a glycerol-like feel, laser-like acidity asserts itself in the zesty, lemon-lime and mineral-laden flavors. Texturally, I’m reminded of Chablis, or perhaps something from the Loire. A wine that pairs well with everything from roasted chicken to sole in lemon beurre blanc. Although drinkable now, given the large percentage of Semillon, we suspect it will age quite well. (MRO – 07/18/12)