White, 2023
Limey and pithy and bright, with a touch of creamy old oak, which is the main driver of the wine from ageing perspective, the 2024 is medium to full bodied with integrated acidity and a background yellow and citrus fruited Chenin feeling. The racy Verdelho component brings real sizzle, making this wine a game of two halves. 2024 is the first year moving to a technical cork closure, making for mouthwatering, youthful tasting wines. 68% Chenin Blanc, 29% Verdelho and 2% Viognier aged in a combination of used oak, concrete and foudré for 11 months.
critic reviews
Donovan Rall's 2023 Coastal Region White is 71% Chenin Blanc, 26% Verdelho and 3% Viognier. It was first produced in 2008. The formula behind the blending seeks to preserve acidity, although this dynamic winemaker allows malolactic fermentation in his white wines. The Verdelho adds the freshness with cool aromas of crisp green apple and kiwi. This is a lovely wine with a crunchy or snappy quality, and the focus here is squarely on that balanced freshness. This bottle offers outstanding value.
The 2023 White is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Viognier, matured in 2,000-liter foudre and concrete. It has a well-defined and vibrant bouquet with peach skin, dried honey and subtle gravelly scents, accented by a hint of chamomile. The palate has a lovely honeyed texture, displaying notes of apricot and vanilla pod, with white pepper and orange rind developing toward the finish. Give this a couple of years in bottle so it can just "stretch its arms." This has potential.