Mission Codename Like a G2
Anyone up for “a terrific white with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc-like vibe per Jeb Dunnuck?
Or the perfect white for sipping while the leaves turn color and fall to the ground?
Want to spend less than a meal for one at Five Guys?
This is the one. Named in memory of the owner’s grandmother, it’s full of character and endless style.
We never met Lily. But we know this tastes incredible, so she must have been an equally compelling figure in the owner’s life. It has all the right components - centered on an elite fruit source and top notch winemaking.
The fruit comes from two famous sites, G2 and Adelaida vineyards. Led by Grenache Blanc, it’s spiked up with Viognier, Roussanne, and Picpoul, each adding new layers of complexity to a fireworks show of aromas and flavors. In the fruit department, there’s plenty of citrus, such as Meyer lemon and bergamot tea. Honeysuckle, honey, beeswax, apricot, nectarine, a dash of cinnamon, there is so much going on! Turning creamy and rich in the mouth, this is reminiscent of a white Rhône with an extra dash of golden California sunshine intensity.
As a reminder, Jeb Dunnuck says that “it may be too late to get on the mailing list, but Don Burns is unquestionably one of California’s new superstars” That’s the man behind Saxum and Turtle Rock. He also makes 13th & Third, and that’s IT. Vinous adds: “Given Burns’ lineage it will come as no surprise that his wines are extroverted and fruit-driven, with serious depth…” Akin to its Saxum counterpart, as Don Burns says, Lily’s made “like a classic White Burgundy, but with a California twist.”
Those ultra-rare white Saxums can be found in the $150-250 range. So, this at $22? Just sayin’
Unique, exotic, and VERY, VERY LIMITED.
90+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Based on 48% Grenache Blanc, 29% Roussanne, and the rest Viognier brought up in 20% new oak, the light gold-hued 2018 Lily has a crisp, clean, medium-bodied style that carries notes of crushed citrus, pear, and white flowers. It’s nicely balanced and has a clean, elegant texture and a dry finish. It’s another rock-solid wine from this estate.”
What the Winery Says
2018 'Lily' Paso Robles White
- Winemaker
- Don Burns
- Varietals
- 40% Grenache Blanc, 33% Viognier, 18% Roussanne, 9% Picpoul
- Vintage
- 2018
- Alcohol
- 14.2%
- Appellation
- Willow Creek District & Adelaida District, Paso Robles
- Vineyards
- G2 & Adelaida Vineyards
- Aging
- 12 months
- Barrels
- 50% new French Oak
- Production
- 4 barrels