92+ 2014 Carlisle The Derivative (Sonoma Valley) 4/8/17 ($28)
45% Semillon (Monte Rosso), 28% Muscatelle (Pagani Ranch), 27% Palomino&Muscadelle (Saitone) 13.8% alc 398cases
Color: Bright, medium gold. (3.0) Bouquet: Beeswax, oatmeal, tart pear and lime complemented by minerality. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent fruit and acidity. Tangy mouthfeel. Very well balanced. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. (3.0) Finish: Long, mineral-infused finish with nuances of quinine and baking spices giving it even more energy. (3.5)
Overall: An outstanding, unique white. This vintage is more acidity and mineral driven than past vintages, making it very reminiscent of a top-notch Chenin Blanc from the Loire. Outstanding and very lively right now, but could certainly get more interesting with 5 years bottle age. (16.5)
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