2021 Andremily White Cuvee

The 2021 White Cuvée is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 26% Roussanne, 19% Marsanne and 15% Viognier, with grapes from Jesperson Vineyard and Slide Hill Vineyard in Edna Valley, plus Stolpman Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Matured for around 21 months in 50% new French barriques, it was bottled on August 12 and tasted on October 25. It opens with very classy matchstick and allspice that give way to an alluring core of peach and apple compote, jasmine and meringue. The full-bodied palate is luxuriously satiny and fantastically concentrated, although its notably vibrant acidity offers balance and creates juicy bursts of spicy fruit as it flows through the mouth. It boasts an epically long finish with a depth of spicy flavor that lures you back to the glass. 300 cases were made, which will be sold as part of a three-bottle box set.

Tasted out of barrel, the 2021 White Cuvee offers a killer bouquet of ripe tropical fruits, honeyed flowers, citrus oil, and toasted bread as well as a deep, concentrated (no doubt due to the drought) style on the palate. This ripe, sexy, yet pure and flawlessly balanced white should be snatched up by readers.

The 2021 White Cuvée turned out to be a very delicate wine. Attractive floral accents lift a core of orchard fruit, pear, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes. A healthy dollop of Roussanne, along with less stirring in élevage, adds notable textured throughout.