Idlewild 2021 'Flora & Fauna' White, North Coast

Idlewild 2021 'Flora & Fauna' White, North Coast

Item Number: 17244

UPC: 0-195893309603

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: North Coast
Appellation/AVA: North Coast
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): Arneis / Muscat Canelli / Favorita
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 11.9
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Vineyard: Flora and Fauna loosely means the collection of plant and animal life of a certain epoch. For Idlewild, it is the collection of varieties from the cellar that make up the blend for the year. The 2021 is based in Arneis that is blended with Muscat Canelli, Favorita, and more to achieve the balance desired from this Piedmontese inspired blend. The fruit predominently comes from Fox Hill Vineyard and Lost Hills Ranch. Fox Hill lends aromatic richness while Lost Hills balances with vibrancy and brighter aromatics.

Vintage: 2021 was a worrisome year with drought and low yields, yet that is often the recipe for amazing fruit. Luckily, for the last few years Idlewild worked to train their vines to receive less water while also increasing organic matter in the soil, which translates to higher water holding capacity. In other words, Idlewild cruised right on through these tough growing conditions and was able to see amazing fruit across the board.

Winemaking: Winemaking starts in the vineyard. When that is the case, the winemaking becomes a simple game of guiding the fruit to be what it already is. The grapes were whole cluster pressed, fermented via native yeasts, left on all the lees and solids, aged in neutral oak, and underwent native secondary fermentation. Complexity and texture were 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.

Tasting Notes: The 2021 shows depth of flavor while retaining a very moderate weight and a lithe finish. The Flora & Fauna White is a balance of florals (orange blossoms), minerals (wet stones), citrus (lemon peel), and orchard fruit (pear). Just when the wine starts to feel intense in its phenolics and aromatics, the palate turns to this near rain water like lightness with a crisp and clean finish. It is a playful and fun white wine that also has longevity.

Reviews

  • Vinous
    Rating: 92 (1/1/2023)
    I was quite impressed with the wines I tasted from Idlewild this year. Sam Bilbro continues to refine his approach to site selection, farming and winemaking, and it shows. The 2021s offer notable depth and tons of character while highlighting the potential of Piedmontese varieties in California. The wines are done in a sytle that emphasizes freshness and vibrancy.

    The 2021 White Wine Flora & Fauna is a rich heady blend of 40% Arneis, 30% Muscat Canelli, 10% Cortese, 10% Favorita and 10% Erbaluce, with the Muscat really driving the flavor profile. Apricot, ginger, spice and dried flowers are all amplified in this gorgeos, super-expressive white from Idlewild. The 2021 is atypically rich, but superb.