by Andrew Chalk
Albarino is already hot in the tasting rooms of the California Central Coast and San Lujis Obispo County has emerged as a central source of vineyards. It came as a surprise to receive a sample of Sonoma Albarino last week from Picayune Cellars. Made in the négociant style by French Native Claire Weinkauf, it embraces the purity and intensity of California fruit, yet keeps its drinkability with balance and finesse on the palette.
Producing just 287 cases in 2021 from Sonoma's Rusty Gate Farm, in the Russian River Valley this unique wine is fermented and aged in a blend of French oak barrels and concrete egg with 10% fermented on the skins.
Sample