Tried these two new Arnot-Roberts Whites over the last few days:
1. Arnot-Roberts OldVine WW FarmerFamilyVnyd/SonomaVlly (12%; 3 brls) 2020: Med.gold color; somewhat fragrant grapey/fruity/dandelions rather earthy/chalky some rustic/old-timey/OV nose; some tart/tangy bit lean/austere/light vaguely fruity/grapey/floral rather old-timey some interesting OV flavor; med.long rather earthy/OV vaguely grapey/fruity lightly tart/tangy finish; a somewhat interesting OV white leaning towards the light/bland side; not particularly distincive; reminds a lot of the old GusSebastiani GrayRieslings or GreenHungarians; may develop in several yrs but kinda iffy; way overpriced at $50.00
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2. Arnot-Roberts RibollaGialla VareVnyd/NapaVlly (12%) Healdsburg 2020: Med.light yellow color; quite aromatic classic white-pepper/RG rather stony/mineral/chalky/bit steely/austere nose; quite tart/tangy/somewhat austere strong white-pepper/RG stony/chalky/mineral/bit steely quite flavorful flavor; fairly long strong white-pepper/RG bit steely/austere some stony/chalky/mineral finish; speaks strongly of RG; a pretty classic dry RG much like some from Friuli; should improve over the next 5 yrs. $40.00
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. The A-R wines are a bit of a mixed bag. They prefer to harvest early & aim for lower alcohols. The wines can sometimes come out lean & eviscerated. They are also natural winemakers, yet I never detect any natty character in their wines. But the wines are never boring.
Tom