The Fanatic 2018
Albariño is considered by some to be the Queen of Spanish white varieties, where it creates a floral and racy wine, analogous in some ways to Sauvignon Blanc but with great mineral depth and citrus expressiveness. The Albariño that makes up the lion’s share of The Fanatic comes from one of the highest-altitude plantings of white grapes in the Yakima Valley. It’s fleshed out with a small addition of Viognier. The Viognier adds depth to the mid-palate and length to finish. 7 months of lees aging adds fullness to the body and gives a toasty salinity to the final wine.
The 2018 Fanatic is a deep and rich gold color, indicating the intense aromas to follow: honeysuckle, Meyer Lemon, freshly zested grapefruit and fresh apricot. The palate is intense and full, with bracingly crisp acidity and a wave of honey and fruit pith. The delightful sense of pith flows into the lengthy finish, adding saline minerality and fresh cut herbs.