Idlewild Flora & Fauna White Wine 2021, Mendocino County, California

Idlewild has a relatively concise aim within a broad context: to produce wines of exceptional balance and beauty. It is a journey to pursue Italy’s Piedmont in the elevated hills of Mendocino County, and to find the sides of these varieties that are intriguing, delicious, and haunting. Grapes were whole cluster pressed, co-fermented via native yeasts, left on all the lees and solids, aged in neutral oak, and underwent native secondary fermentation. Complexity and texture are gained from allowing secondary fermentation and aging on lees in neutral oak for four months, while the structure and acidity from picking plenty early allow for great vibrancy and energy through the wine. For 2021, the blend compromises of roughly 40% Arneis, 30% Muscat Canelli (a.k.a Muscat Blanc, Moscato Bianco), and 10% Cortese, 10% Erbaluce, and 10% Favorita. The fruit comes from Fox Hill Vineyard and Lost Hills Ranch. Fox Hill lends aromatic richness while Lost Hills balances with vibrancy and brighter aromatics. The wine is highlighted by honey, wildflowers, wet stones, salty air, jasmine, and orange blossoms. The mouth feel is shaped like a diamond: lean on the front, a touch of oiliness and rich-ness through the mid, and then racy and driving through the finish. (Winemaker)

$24.99