2022 Sonoma County "The Derivative" White Wine
81% Sonoma Valley Semillon, Rossi Ranch
19% Sonoma Valley Muscadelle, Pagani Ranch
The Rossi Semillon was picked on September 10th at 23.2 Brix while the old-vine Pagani Muscadelle came in two days later on September 12th at 21.6 Brix. Both lots were whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation. The following March, after numerous trials, we assembled our favorite blend, 81% Semillon and only 19% Muscadelle. Aged in two 500 L Taransaud Pure demi-muids, one 300 L Stockinger barrel, and four 285 L stainless steel barrels. Filtered for bottle stability but not fined.
Tasting Note:
Medium straw yellow-gold in color. Heady aromas of Myer lemon, orange marmalade, and toasted honey brioche. A slight herbal note reminiscent of lemongrass emerges as well. Just a beautiful sniff. A medium-full, viscous entry leads to flavors of yellow and orange citrus and a lingering, lip-smackin’ finish. Acidity is present for mid-term aging but howdy-do, is this ever delicious right now. Quite possibly my favorite Derivative to date. Drink from release through at least 2031. (MRO - 07/18/24)