2022 White Wine "Life and Death"

The 2022 White Wine Life and Death (69.5% Chardonnay, 26.9% Roussanne and 3.6% Marsanne) is an opulent, generous white with a distinct phenolic edge that frames its golden-hued fruit. Unbelievably concentrated and powerful, it offers myriad layers of floral, honeyed, deeply pitched character. Chamomile, orange curd, mangosteen, lavender and lemon pith all blossom with air, creating a veritable flower shop of aromas and flavors. Textural intensity and breadth define this singular white, which only gained nuance and dimension over the two days I followed it. This is a very impressive showing. 
- Billy Norris (08/2025)

Chardonnay-dominated but including 26.9% Roussanne and 3.6% Marsanne, all of which spent 22 months in 85% new oak, the 2022 White Wine Life And Death has a rocking nose of ripe stone fruits, toasted almonds, fresh croissant, and white flowers. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, gorgeously textured, seamless white that has perfect overall balance, a rich, opulent mouthfeel, perfectly integrated acidity and oak, and a finish that won't quit. It is best enjoyed over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035. (04/2025) 

The 2022 White Wine Life And Death is composed of 69.5% Chardonnay, 26.9% Roussanne, and 3.6% Marsanne from the Sanford & Benedict, Stolpman, and Bien Nacido Vineyards. The nose is a little restrained with notes of almonds and pears, opening out to a core of applesauce and allspice with a waft of beeswax. The full-bodied palate is beautifully poised, soft-spoken, and nuanced with a silky texture and a chalkiness to the finish. The wine was aged for 22 months in French oak, 85% new. (08/2025)

Tasted prior to its July bottling date, the 2022 White Wine Life And Death is a blend of 69.5% Chardonnay, 26.9% Roussanne and 3.6% Marsanne from the Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido and Stolpman Vineyards. It spent 22 months in 85% new French oak. The nose here is a striking combination of waxy and layered aromas of stone fruit, tropical fruits, bright spice tones and an undercurrent of pleasing caramel richness. The palate is lavish and quite full-bodied, displaying impressive power and polish while remaining energetic and focused. It concludes with a succulent, clean acid profile that welcomely braces its otherwise massive frame. This was very enjoyable and should be fascinating to follow through bottling into its aging curve. 
- Matthew Luczy (08/2024)