Wines

DeRose has a handful of ”old-vine” varieties on its Cienega Valley estate, but none is more exotic that a 10-acre planting of Negrette. These vines are even rare in their native land of France where records show only 100 acres cultivated in the Toulouse region on the Garonne River. Adding to the mystique, the variety was called “Pinot St. George” until the BATF changed its official name effective with the ’97 vintage.

Planted on their own roots in the 1880s, the old vines are dry farmed in gray clay-loam soils that contain large chunks of dolomite. This shimmering white mineral is mostly calcium, an essential element of good soil. Relatively young
in geologic time, these loose soils allow vines to extend deep and wide in search of water and nutrients. Yields average one ton per acre.

92 Points! A nutty, full-bodied white with notes of salted almonds, baked apples, brown butter, praline and cloves. Buttery and tasty, with bright acidity too. Just the right amount of oak opulence. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

92 Points! Very fresh with aromas of lemon pith, white grapefruit, crushed shells and slate. Some biscuits and salted yellow plums. Medium-bodied with beautiful minerality and freshness. Vivid finish. Blend of viura, white grenache and malvasia. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

91 Points! The white 2021 Blanco was produced with a blend of Viura, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía de Rioja that fermented in oak vats and new French barriques and matured with the lees and two bâtonnages per week in the beginning and later daily for a total of four months. It's balsamic, a little medicinal and aromatic. They keep growing in Garnacha Blanca with very good results. It's light and fresh, with very clean aromas and flavors. - Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com