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Idlewild The Bee Flora and Fauna White Wine 2017Proprietor Sam Bilbro has spent virtually a lifetime around wine. His family owns Marietta, while brothers Jake and Scot are behind the reborn Limerick Lane. At Idlewild, Sam Bilbro focuses on Italian and other less well-known varieties. In addition to these wines, I also tasted the, Arneis Fox Hill Vineyard, Vin Gris Dry Creek Valley and Grenache Gris Gibson Ranch. The best wines in this range are compelling, and point to a bright future. ANTONIO GALLONI, www.vinousmedia.com
Having had a relationship with the Bilbro family as importers of the Marietta wines some years ago we were delighted to find youngest son, Sam, was behind this new venture, Idlewild. In many ways the wines are the anitpathy of what so many believe Californian wines are supposed to be. Hunting out heritage stands of Italian and Rhone varietals (mostly in Mendocino County) Bilbro makes extremely interesting wines characterised by texture, savouriness and subtlety. Skin contact is a part of the wines as is a relatively non-interventionist approach; both indicative of the preferences of the younger brigade of Calfornia producers. PWS
The 2017 White The Bee Flora & Fauna, is a classy, polished wine to drink now and over the next few years. Green pear, mint, white flowers and light tropical overtones all grace this very pretty, expressive wine. The Muscat in particular adds an attractive aromatic flair. ANTONIO GALLONI2017Arneis, Cortese, MuscatUSA362$63.00 As low as $56.70 -
Casa Rojo Ribera del Duero Clon 98 2020100% Tinto Fino, from the area of Castrillo de la Vega, located at an average altitude of 800 meters, in the province of Burgos. The grapes come from old vineyards between 26 and 50 years old, all owned by viticulturists in the area. Fermented and aged (12 months) in concrete tanks.
Heading towards a more black fruit profile with a black currant, creme de mure thing going on and a hint bitcumen and turned earth. Mid-weight in style with nice concentration and push from the darker fruit profile. It delivers plenty of concentrated fruit but does it all with bounce and vibrancy at the same time.
2020Garacha TintoreraSpain470$49.00 As low as $44.10 -
Sierra de Tolono La Dula Rioja Garnacha 2022I've always had a soft spot for her Garnacha, and the 2021 La Dula, with its floral, perfumed and expressive nose could be the finest vintage of this wine. It was produced with grapes from small ancient plots in Rivas de Tereso and matured in amphora and foudre for eight months. It's open, showy and terribly elegant, super young and fruit-driven, reminiscent of fresh grapes, not terribly complex but very pleasant and easy to drink. It has a medium-bodied palate with 13.5% alcohol and a serious and chalky texture. It should develop more complexity with time in bottle. 6,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2024. It's a bargain. LUIS GUTIERREZ, The Wine Advocate2022Garacha TintoreraSpain472$60.00 As low as $54.00