Arnot-Roberts Ribolla Gialla Bengier Vineyard 2023

Grape: Ribolla Gialla Vintage: 2023 Type: White Sourced from the Bengier Vineyard (formerly Vare Vineyard) in the cool Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, this rare bottling comes from organically farmed vines rooted in rocky alluvial soils. Hand-harvested at low potential alcohol, the fruit undergoes whole-cluster pressing directly to neutral French oak barrels for spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. The wine undergoes no malolactic fermentation and ages on its fine lees for several months to preserve its high natural acidity and distinct structural skin tannin. Bottled with minimal intervention, this is a chiseled, European-leaning Napa white built on linear tension and raw minerality. A pale yellow-gold hue leads to refined aromas of green apple, dried citrus peel, white floral blossoms, and fresh hay. The palate is dry, crisp, and tactile, delivering focused flavors of yellow plum, quince, raw almond, and saline minerals. High, electric natural acidity cuts through the light, slightly waxy mid-palate, giving the wine exceptional vertical energy and drive. It finishes with a long, clean trail of crushed limestone, lemon pith, and a subtle phenolic grip.