Alkina 'Wild Earth' White Blend 2021
The concept of a field blend has been stretched and folded over time, coming to mean a mélange of white grapes, often from the same vineyard, but not always. The 2021 Wild Earth Field Blend from Alkina is a true old-vine field blend. Not all the varieties are fully defined, but they are from the same patch in the vineyard. It is a majority of Semillon and an unconfirmed variety, though it is thought to be Ugni Blanc. There's green pea on the nose. On the palate, it is all about texture, with cheesecloth, spice and banana leaf. The wine is tense and gently bitter (like amaro)—knife-edge stuff. It's edgy and texturally soft and spicy as well, like a blade. On the other side of the same coin, it is plump, soft, delicate and textural. While a polarizing wine, it is also super engaging and exciting. Drink 2022-2027. 92 Points. Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate.