Christy Canterbury MW

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Italy Meets California: Oak Farm Vineyards Fiano

88
Oak Farm Vineyards 2018 Fiano Lodi, California 14.2% $26

This wine arrived at my doorstep with no notice, and it was a fun discovery. It is a great sip, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it anywhere to anyone. Only 376 cases were produced, so look now rather than later!

Fragrant, floral and savory, this Fiano is more expressive than most of its Campanian counterparts that have "landed" outside Italy, possibly due to its slightly higher alcohol (hence likely more developed fruit flavors) and presumable lack of volcanic soil. 

This wine is a cornucopia of peach blossom and nectarine core up front leading to a lightly waxy texture with a tell-tale note of hay and almond skin that is very typical of Fiano. It is rather interesting to see this expression of Fiano outside of Italy as it shows that the wine can be more fruit-driven and exuberant and not just steely minerally. This wine's rounded and cuddly texture gives it a lovely creaminess that still resonates with perky lift. Though modest and somewhat warm, the finish is caressing.
Drink: 2019-20