2021 Semillon
– SOLD OUT –

Whitehall Lane is proud to showcase this extraordinary example of Semillon from our Bommarito Vineyard from Rutherford.  Semillon is typically a blender in Bordeaux whites, a powerful dessert wine from the Sauternes region of France, or a singular wine from the Hunter Valley of Australia.  Our Semillon was whole cluster pressed, then sent to neutral French oak barrels for a native yeast fermentation. Once the barrel fermentation finishes, we allow the wine to age sur lies (on the lees) and perform battonage (stirring) for five months. The stirring of the barrels promotes mid-palate enhancement and texture building within the wine.  At blending, a portion of Sauvignon Blanc was blended back to balance out the Semillon and create a unique palate and finish.

The 2021 vintage was considered a drought year, with little rain on record for the Napa Valley.  Drought years have typically proven to be excellent quality for wines, but obviously not great for long-term farming plans.  The season started off with bud break in early March, leading to a Spring that allowed for a perfect flowering and set for the grape clusters.  Summer was also quite warm and long, leading into an early Autumn harvest season. The drought conditions led to lower yields in the vineyard, which gave a perfect concentration for juice versus skin ratio.  The consistent summer weather encouraged our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes to ripen in late mid-August to early-September.