2017 Subject to Change Wine Co. Bonofiglio White Blend

Region: Russian River Valley < Sonoma < California
Grapes: Marsanne, Roussanne
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: CCOF certified organic, dry-farmed vines on the loamy soils of the old Russian River bed; 10% carbonic fermentation: picked early, at 19 brix, then direct pressed; half of the juice is fermented in neutral French oak, the other half in stainless; 10% of Roussanne goes through carbonic fermentation; bottled after 5 months, unfined/unfiltered, with zero added SO2; 177 cases; 11.8% ABV
Winemaker: Alex Pomerantz + Brad Friedman

A new wine from my friend Alex’s new label, temporarily called Subject to Change (until they figure out what to really name it). This is not your typical Marsanne/Roussanne blend – they pick super early, preserving the freshness and acidity of the grapes, and let 10% of the grapes go through carbonic fermentation. So, instead of a rich, round, oily Rhone-white blend, you get nervy, bright stone fruit and citrus, balanced with savory, herbal, tea notes. While less than 12% ABV, it has enough texture and body to pair with food but is entirely crushable on its own. Like a not-sweet, thyme-infused lemon drop cocktail, all hazy and golden, literally glowing in the glass and beckoning you to take another sip…