Sourced from three Semillon vineyards in Napa – you’d think they have cornered the Semillon market in Napa. Get preserved lemons, lightly toasted almonds, tangy yellow grapefruit, chamomile, dried peaches. What makes it special, for me, is its texture: both viscous and vibrantly acidid. This is a splendid look into the soul of Semillon. More importantly, it’s very tasty, and an ideal companion to oily fish, slightly aged cheeses and root vegetable dishes.
From the winemaker: Whole cluster pressed and spontaneously fermented in 50% neutral Burgundy barriques and 50% stainless steel. Aged sur lie for eight months, eschewing batonnage, acidulation and malolactic fermentation.
Napa Valley winery Fine Disregard released their first wines in 2016. They (Mike Schieffer-winemaker, Kara Maraden-winegrower) are still quite new, but have already made a lot of fans with their Semillon (they also make a tiny amount of Syrah and Grenache, also recommended). They make a single vineyard Semillon as well, which is great. For the money, and for most enjoyment right now, this Napa Valley Semillon I think is the way to go.
