In anticipation of tonight’s RibollaFest at the Matthiasson’s and to salve the regret of not being able to attend, I cracked:
- Matthiasson RibollaGialla MatthiassonVnyd/NapaVlly (11.2%) 2016: Med.gold/burnished bronze color; strong RG/peppery/spicy bit herbal/new mown alfalfa slight orangey/honeyed very Friuli-like RG nose; quite tart/acidic lean/savory/saline light RG/peppery/earthy/stony/mineral some tangy/metallic rather spare flavor; long some RG/peppery/spicy some stony/metallic/tangy rather tart/acidic bit citric/grapefruity finish; a quite attractive RG/peppery/Friuli-like nose but rather lean/austere/wirey on the palate; lovely nose but wish it delivered more on the palate. $45.00
A wee BloodyPulpit:
- This wine was a bit of a puzzle to me. The color was far darker than I expected and suggested a skin-contact white. But I was unable to pick up any phenolic character at all. I liked the nose quite a lot but it was pretty lean&spare on the palate. Seems to be in a not so good place right now. Yet no signs of oxidation (other than the color) nor falling apart. Just sort of an Oakland wine right now.
- The RibollaFest is always one of the best events I attend every year. It is a gathering of most all the Ribolla producers in Calif, originally held at GeorgeVare’s first RG vnyd, now hosted by the Matthiassons. Alas, I’d just finished my 2 weeks of GrandPa duties and was unable to make it this yr. FloridaJim will have to do in my stead.
Tom