2023 Arnot-Roberts Old Vine White Wine [D92]

Producer: Arnot-Roberts  
Region: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California 
Blend: Gewurztraminer, Green Hungarian, Riesling, Sylvaner
Year: 2023 

Decanter, 92 Points 

"A unique wine from an equally unique vineyard (known as The Farmer Family vineyard or Compagni-Portis): six acres planted back in 1954 with this wild white field blend, featuring aromatic varietals from Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Trousseau Gris, to other whites like Chardonnay, along with approximately 6% of other unidentified varietals - a historic dry-farmed site in Sonoma. This vintage of Arnot Roberts' Old Vine White is roughly 85% Riesling, with the addition of a bit of everything else. You get a vibrant floral and fruity wine with notes of jasmine, honey, and passion fruit juices, complemented by a citrusy grapefruit and candied ginger finish. It's an easy, light, and quite delicious 'white table' wine. Only 3 barrels were produced." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The Farmer Family vineyard, formerly Heinstein Vineyard and Compagni-Portis Vineyard, is a true relic of old California. Located about one mile from the Sonoma town plaza, this old, unirrigated field blend was planted in 1954 to a mixed variety of white grapes including: Sylvaner, Riesling, Green Hungarian, and Gewurtztraminer. The vines are planted on the original estate of the early California wine pioneer Agoston Haraszthy. Dating to the early 1850s, this is one of the oldest pieces of dirt to be planted to wine grapes in California outside of the missions. The soils are dominated by fluffy white volcanic ash that has washed down over the centuries from the nearby flanks of Mount Veeder. Every year the wine has a unique personality based on the varied degrees of ripening within the block. The interplanted varieties are harvested together and the picking bins are filled with a kaleidoscopic array of berry colors, shapes and sizes. The resulting wines are unique, vibrantly fresh and aromatic with an underlying backbone of brisk acidity and soil-driven minerality." 

Alcohol: 12% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.