2020 Faethm Fingers Crossed Head Held High White [JD97][WA97][V92-94]

Producer: Faethm 
Region: California 
Blend: 80% Chardonnay, 12% Roussanne, and 8% Marsanne 
Year: 2020 

Jeb Dunnuck, 97 Points 

"Tasted out of bottle and mostly from Bien Nacido (the 2021 is mostly Sanford & Benedict), the 2020 Held Head High White checks in as 80% Chardonnay, 12% Roussanne, and 8% Marsanne. It has a beautiful salty, mineral-driven style as well as ample stone fruits, medium to full body, a focused, chiseled, yet concentrated mouthfeel, and awesome length on the finish. It's a singular, layered, remarkably complete white..." 

Wine Advocate, 97 Points 

"The Chardonnay-based Head Held High cuvée comes mostly from the Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, with the balance from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. It's a wine that feels predestined, having withstood the challenges of heat and wildfire smoke but also because this blend represents the last of the old-vine Chardonnay planted at Bien Nacido, as the vines were torn out after this vintage. "This is the last Chardonnay ever made from W block," proprietors Nikolas and Julia Krankl explain, sounding both grateful and rueful. "We got to work with it once." Luckily, the Krankls will continue to work with the new Chardonnay vines that will be planted at Bien Nacido. Their section will comprise six rows, planted to six different clonal selections." 

Vinous, 92-94 Points 

"The 2020 White Wine Held Head High marries richness with a good bit of energy. Still in tank, the White Wine shows a touch of reduction typical of wines at this stage. Lemon confit, mint, white flowers and earthy bits grace this layered, vibrant white wine from Fingers Crossed." 

Alcohol: 11-14% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.