Our third bottling of Heart of Gold, and perhaps the best of the three. 2010, being the kind of year it was, gave terrific flavor development at a very modest level of alcohol, and exceptional balance. And, I might add, even more evidence of how beautifully Vermentino has adapted to the growing conditions here in California, and what a great choice it is here for first-rate white wines for the table. (Grenache Blanc, too.)

FRUIT SOURCE:

Rome Vineyard, planted in 2005 on East and North-Facing slopes, at 2,800 feet elevation, in very rocky soil, near Georgetown, CA

WINEMAKING NOTES:

Vermentino 72%, Grenache Blanc 28% Grapes picked September 15th, early in the morning. Whole-cluster pressed into stainless, and fermented at 58 degrees. The wine stayed on gross lees until February, 2011, and was bottled on the Ides of March.

WINEMAKER'S TASTING NOTES:

There's a distinct gold cast to the wines' color. The nose is fresh, floral, shows some kiwi and mango fruit-tones, a little musk, and a salty note, as well. Great natural acidity gives the flavors good focus. Medium-full body, with some richness developing, yet the dominant notes are freshness and nerve. Very good length, complexity, and depth. Should be fascinating to track this wines' development over the course of the next several years. Really versatile at the table.

• Production: 260 cases
• Suggested Retail: $20.00 per bottle
• Release Date: April 1, 2011

Produced and Bottled by Thumbnail Moonlight, under the direction of Steve Edmunds, winemaker