93 2012 Carlisle The Derivative (Sonoma Valley) 6/9/18 ($25)
54% Semillon (Monte Rosso), 30% Muscatelle (Pagani Ranch), 16% Palomino (Saitone Ranch) 14.2% alc 330cases
Color: Bright gold. (3.0) Bouquet: Beeswax, white port and golden pear fruit complemented by pollen and spice nuances. (3.0) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent fruit and acidity. Viscous, yet tangy mouthfeel that coats very nicely. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more expressive with pollen and baking spices coming to the fore, also a hint of bitter quinine . (3.5) Finish: Long with the attractive quinine bitterness lingering and balancing the ripe fruit. (3.5)
Overall: Rich and intense, yet shows elegance and persistent acidity. Something like a Semillon based white Bordeaux, but the use of other grapes besides Sauvignon Blanc to give it elegance and acidity make it unique. Beeswax and bitter quinine are most distinctive complemented by ripe pear, pollen and baking spices. Really stands up to food, but is balanced enough to drink by itself. May be at its best now, but should continue to develop in the next few years. (16.5)
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