Idlewild 2021 Arneis, Lost Hills Ranch, Yorkville Highlands

Item Number: 18625

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Mendocino
Appellation/AVA: Yorkville Highlands
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Lost Hills Ranch
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): 100% Arneis
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 11.8
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Deep fractured sandstone with veins of schist
Elevation: 1,500 feet

Vineyard Notes: Lost Hills Ranch sits on a lonely ridge in the Yorkville Highlands. Located near the southwest corner of Mendocino County, the climate is marked by a clash of maritime and continental influence. At 1,500 feet of elevation, the vineyard often looks down on the fog hugging the valley below, or transversely, the cooling winds run along the ridge as the heat sinks on warmer days. The soils are comprised of deep fractured sandstone with veins of schist. The vine roots work hard to push deep into the rock, and in turn, a powerful core can be found in the fruit grown here. Holistic and organic practices ensure a healthy site for now and for future generations to come.

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 Notes: Arneis ripens quickly. Its acidity can fall away overnight on the vine, but one of the pleasures of Arneis is the floral notes that can be lost if picked too early. So, harvesting at just the right moment is harder and more crucial with Arneis than with other varieties as that perfect window is small and fleeting. Once in the cellar, there is little to do. The wine ferments via native yeast in stainless steel after a whole cluster pressing. Secondary fermentation and aging for four months in neutral oak on lees adds texture and complexity.

Tasting Notes: Lost Hills is a relatively cool site at just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean. As such, ripening is slow and acid retention is high; both are ideal qualities. Jasmine tea, pear, fennel, and lemon balm are all aromatic highlights. The palate has a powerful phenolic core yet also a lightness like fresh rain. The finish is bright with acidity and a pleasant hint of almond bitterness.