Southwest Mountains Vineyards, Petit Manseng 2022 – Monticello

The wine has a lemon yellow color of medium intensity. The nose offers concentration and freshness, a tangy citrus frame that is slightly sweet thanks to a touch of citrus jam and candied lemon peel. It expresses aromas of grapefruit zest, a touch of bitter orange marmalade, as well as the delicacy of ripe and juicy stone fruits (crushed apricot, yellow peach), a touch of tangy green apple and sweet yellow apple, ripe quince, white flowers (acacia, honeysuckle, linden in the background). There are also honeyed notes (flower honey, wax in the background), a light mineral touch (dry stone), lactic (fresh butter) and toasted (lightly toasted hazelnut in the background). The palate is savoury, gourmand, with an oily, round and ample texture. The attack balances the roundness on the palate with bitter notes of grapefruit, bitter orange, and chestnut honey. The mid-palate expresses flavors of ripe stone fruits (juicy yellow peach, apricot), yellow lemon zest, yellow apple, yellow plum, as well as delicate, silky lactic notes (fresh butter, plain yogurt). The finish is medium-length, with supple acidity and a tangy green apple structure. The wine is more expressive on the nose than on the palate.