2023 Rarefied Air Beckstoffer Melrose White Blend
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Tasting notes
Reminding me of a great vintage of Pape Clement's Blanc, the 2023 Proprietary White Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard Rarefied Air is light gold hued with an exotic perfume of honeyed peach, tangerines, white flowers, and minty herbs. I love its overall purity and it's medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. Based on Sauvignon and Semillon, I suspect it will evolve gracefully over the coming decade, although admittedly, trying to predict the evolution of these dry Bordeaux Blanc like blends can be challenging. If you ever doubted that California could produce world classic whites based on Bordeaux varieties, try this wine! Drink 2025-2035.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
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Myriad's 2023 Proprietary White Rarefied Air Beckstoffer Melrose is approximately 50-50 Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, barrel-fermented and aged 20 months in 100% new French oak. Slightly waxy hints appear on the nose, joined by carambola, white nectarine and bergamot, while the medium-bodied palate is silky-textured but also quite lean, finishing long and crisp, with hints of pencil shavings. Fun fact: it's the only non-varietal white wine to carry the Beckstoffer vineyard name on the label.
About the producer
Mike Smith is one of Napa’s leading winemakers, crafting top-scoring wines for the likes of Quivet, PerChance, Kindred and Flora Springs. Myriad Cellars is his personal label, run with his wife Leah.