2019 Aeris (Rhys) Carricante 'Centennial Estate'

100% biodynamic (uncertified) Carricante from Rhy’s Centennial Mountain Vineyard- this is the first ever Carricante, a Sicilian grape, planted outside of Italy! The site was planted in 2013 on Franciscan shale, schist and quartz at 2,000’ elevation. Native yeast fermentation and native malolactic fermentation. Whole cluster pressed into cask for 18 months and bi-weekly battonage. Aged 12 months in cask, then aged 4 months in steel. 12.5% alcohol. 

96+ points, John Gilman. "The 2019 Carricante from Aeris is really starting to blossom at four years of age and I can see why the team at Rhys decided to hold it back in the cellar for an additional year of aging. The bouquet is pure and gorgeously expressive, jumping from the glass in a blend of nectarine, tart pineapple, a hint of green olive, salty soil tones, white flowers, lemon peel and a nice hint of fresh rosemary in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very minerally in personality, with a beautiful core of fruit, bright, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a very long, very complex and seamlessly balanced finish. This is one of the most beautiful bottles of white wine from America that I have ever had the pleasure to taste! It is still a puppy and will be an even better drink five or ten years down the road, but it is stunning already! (JG) 96+"