Hill Family Estate Albariño 2021, Stewart Ranch, Carneros, Napa Valley, California

The Hill Family is a fourth generation California farm family. They understand from experience how great wine begins in the vineyard. The Stewart Ranch in Carneros has its toes in the estuary south of Napa and stays cool and breezy. 2021 had a few hot spells over 95 degrees and about 30% of normal rainfall in the winter. Bud break occurred on April 10, bloom on May 18, and veraison on August 2. By August 31 we were at 21.2 Brix, so the fruit was brought in early that morning, whole cluster pressed and then fermented in stainless steel with VL3 yeast. Fermentation took about 3 weeks, then the wine rested on the lees for 1 month in tank before racking to stainless steel barrels and then bottling. Albariño itself is an uncommon variety in California, but its zippy acidity and light floral notes make it a natural companion to tapas and fresh seafood. The 2021 Albariño offers aromas of lime blossom, lime leaf, sweet pea and chamomile. The palate is filled with bright, tangy, lime flavors that lead to a satiny finish.