The famed Monte Rosso vineyard is large, comprising 545 acres, of which roughly 180 are planted. As of 2025, the vineyard has been certified as organic. The Semillon vines, originally planted in a 3.8-acre plot in 1886 and thought to be the oldest in North Hemisphere, comprise less than two percent of the plantings. Their age certainly helps explain the wine’s grandeur. Weighing in at a modest 13 percent stated alcohol, this Semillon leads with lovely white flower-like aromatics and follows with a hint of spice atop its lanolin-like texture. It combines ideal ripeness – thankfully not overdone – with enlivening freshness to form a balanced and stylish Semillon. Judging from this wine, this two percent of plantings needs to be preserved.
95 Michael Apstein – July 1, 2026