92+ 2010 Carlisle The Derivative 12/15/12 ($30)
76% Semillon, 24% Muscadelle 13.8% alc 250 cases
Color: Medium gold. (3.0) Bouquet: Beeswax, minerals and spicy ginger with lemon merangue pie fruit that's slightly caramelized with a hint of watercress. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and minerality. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with more tart lemon/pear fruit. Slight bitterness. (3.0) Finish: Long with elegance. (3.0)
Overall: This is a beauty, drinking somewhere in between a Savennieres (dry Loire - Chenin Blanc) and a Viognier from the Northern Rhone, with lively minerality lifting up lemon merangue pie and beeswax fruit. Also has overtones of creme brulee and spicy ginger. Tart, rich and totally delicious, but also a wonderful food wine. Drink now or let age for 5-7 years. When I first saw the blend before tasting, I never expected to like this as much as I do. (16.0)
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