2021 Faethm Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers White [JD95-97][WA94-96][V93-96]

Producer: Faethm 
Region: California 
Blend: 72% Chardonnay, 15.4% Roussanne, 12.6% Marsanne 
Year: 2021 

Jeb Dunnuck, 95-97 Points 

"Not yet bottled, the 2021 Unanswered Prayers White is based largely on Chardonnay (72%, all from Sanford & Benedict) yet includes both Roussanne and Marsanne. It's resting in 86% new barrels and is a beautiful white offering incredible aromatics of stone fruits, crushed stone, charcoal, white flowers, and subtle nutty, toasty nuances. It's richly textured, medium to full-bodied, has terrific freshness, and a gorgeous finish." 

Wine Advocate, 94-96 Points 

"I tasted the 2021 White Wine Unanswered Prayers on July 7, 2023, a few days before it was due to be bottled. This blend of 72% Chardonnay, 15.4% Roussanne and 12.6% Marsanne comes predominantly from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, with the balance from Bien Nacido Vineyard. It was barrel fermented and matured for 21 months in 86% new French oak. "I would describe our white winemaking as risky," proprietor Nik Krankl explains. "It's an extremely oxidative process, and the wine does go brown. We stir the lees to encourage protein chains to form and fall out of solution via barrel fermentation and bâtonnage." The wines aren't filtered or fined, "so they of course run the risk of throwing tartrates," Nik continues. "But you get the seriousness in the wine that a lot of whites that play it safe don't have." Nik and Julia suggest decanting their whites. "That two ounces you lose from decanting off the tartrates is well worth the price of admission for the intensity you would remove without filtering." The Unanswered Prayers is bursting with intense, dynamic perfume! Alluring tones of beeswax, cashews and spring butter give way to a core of golden apples, apricot and jasmine, and it releases exotic undertones as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and layered, offering wave after wave of highly concentrated yet nuanced flavors. It has an energy derived from slowly building freshness, and a touch of grip pulls all that flavor into a long finish." 

Vinous, 93-96 Points 

"The 2021 White Wine Unanswered Prayers captures all the energy of the year. Bright acids cut through lemon confit, marzipan and white pepper, with lifted floral notes that appear over time. The 2021 spent 21 months on its lees, with no stirring. It is positively stunning. What a wine!" 

Alcohol: 11-14% 

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