2022 "LIONESSES"

Willamette Valley AVA   •   $22

“Would you like to buy any Ehrenfelser or Kerner?” asked the proprietors of Satori Springs vineyard, located south of historic Oregon City. Having never worked with either of these Germanic varieties, I of course said yes straight away. Fortunately, this acid-driven white wine is as beautiful as it is unique.

We picked and pressed both grape varieties on the same day and began cofermentation immediately (63% Ehrenfelser and 37% Kerner) in stainless steel tanks. Following the completion of primary fermentation, full malolactic conversion and aging on the fine lees proceeded over 9 months in 50% stainless steel tank and 50% neutral French oak.

This wine plays in the same sandbox as Bourgogne Aligoté or fine Muscadet. “Lionesses” is beautifully saline and it showcases restrained floral aromas, orange oil, nutmeg, and fennel. On the palate, think fresh-sliced Fuji apple, lemon curd, and cinnamon. It’s totally dry, with zero residual sugar, and I hope you dig it.

12.7% alc •   6.9 g/L TA   •   3.14 pH   •   0 g/L RS (totally dry)