2020 Queen Of The Sierra Estate Amber

Notes from the maker - Matthew Rorick.
Assembled from the fruit of organically-farmed Verdelho, Albarino, Muscat and Chardonnay vines on a single vineyard in the Sierra Foothills, this example from Matthew Rorick is one we really like. Fermented using native yeasts and bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur as the only addition, this is a classic example of "hands-off winemaking." With white cherry, stone, grapefruit zest, peach pit, kumquat and gravel nuances playing out on a long tannic finish, there is a robust texture here that belies the refreshing 12% ABV. Very incisive and intense on the palate, this wine is about texture, mouthfeel and minerality rather than fruity simplicity.