2014 White Experiment W1.4

Barrel fermented & aged sur lie for 9 months

Tasting Notes

With this being our first white wine, we started out with two classical pairs from the Old World – Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and Viognier and Roussanne. The link between the two was the classic descriptor of Torrontés, a white wine from Argentina – Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blended together. Our aim was to create a blend from these varietals that captured the richness that California has to offer while maintaining the freshness and vibrancy that we love in Old World wines.

View Note Card

Varietals

  • 34.4% Sauvignon Blanc
  • 32.8% Roussanne
  • 32.8% Viognia

Methodology

Two separate vineyards were chosen – one for Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and one for Viognier and Roussanne. This fruit was harvested and whole clusters pressed, then the juice was put down to barrel and fermentation naturally began. Following fermentation, the lees were stirred every two weeks for 8 months. We then blended this wine and bottled it a month later.

Conclusion

This wine ended up being a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne. Rich and lively, it delivered on our aim to capture the sense of place of California with the refinement of the Old World. More importantly, it was a proof of concept for us – delightful and thought-provoking wine can be made without following a template.