This 100% Albarino is produced from fruits grown in Kristy Vineyard, on the western bench overlooking the Salinas River on broken sediment of ancient sea beds. Kristy is special because Albarino in the vineyard reaches full phenological ripeness at low potential alcohol and natural, bright acidity due to abundant California sunshine, cold desert nights, and near-constant coastal breezes off of Monterey Bay.
Strong Salinas Valley winds help to support this true-to-varietal Albariño. Aromas of white nectarine and honeysuckle abound. Bright acidity leads on the palate framed by a redolence of underripe pineapple and stone fruit, which persist and blend with wet river rock on the finish.
Oysters, grilled fish, spicy cuisines.
"Bright aromas of crisp pear, white flowers and a lime-driven edge show on the nose of this bottling. There is firm tension to the palate, where rounded lime and pear flavors meet with a lightly flinty minerality, while sailing into the grippy finish. - Matt KETTMANN"
- Wine Enthusiast (June 2021), 92 pts
"Rainy cement, Meyer lemon rind and very tight apple aromas show on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate shows both brisk, sizzling acidity and warmer tones of baked pear, with a taut texture holding firm into the bubblegum-kissed finish. - Matt KETTMANN"
- Wine Enthusiast (May 2021), 91 pts
"Crisp and juicy aromas of squeezed Meyer lemon, white peach, honeydew rind and rainy sidewalk show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling. There is great grip to the palate as well as a light texture, but the flavors are generous with more stone fruit and melon, making it rounded and likable for many tastes."
- Wine Enthusiast (June 2018), 90 pts
Ian and Heather Brand founded I Brand Family Wines in Central Coast California in 2008. Ian’s first winery job was with Bonny Doon Winery; he then went to work for ...
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