The bottle arrived this afternoon and went directly into the fridge. I don’t believe we’ve ever had or even heard of this varietal before. Since it was a gorgeous evening, we used this opportunity as an excuse to visit our favorite picnic table on California’s Lost Coast for sunset.
The bottle was still quite chilled when opened. Nose was very clean and fresh. I detected a faint note of sulfur. The initial taste was not fruity or complex. Not sweet at all yet not very dry, either. What we did detect were flavors reminiscent of dried wildflowers or nasturtium. We enjoyed some Dry Monterey Jack on black pepper crackers that really complimented the wine and vice versa.
When the bottle temperature dropped to what is probably a more appropriate temperature, the flavors really opened up. The sulfur notes disappeared and we started noticing a bit of pear and grapefruit and just a wee bit of butter.
All told, the better half and I were both pleasantly surprised by this bottle. Not too sweet/fruity and not too dry/tart. It should please just about any white grape drinker. I’m in for a four-pack. If I had more room, I’d go for a case.
Unexpectedly received this lovely wine in the mail. Malvasia Bianca is a truly ancient varietal, so you know it has staying power. People have liked it enough to keep planting it for a couple thousand years. I’ve only had it once before, but it was memorable, as was this bottle.
We tried this at room temperature, though I will assuredly be drinking more after it has spent some time in the fridge.
Initial thoughts:
There’s a lot of vibrant fruit on the nose. Lychee comes across so clearly you’d think someone had been sneaking a piece into your glass, but there are subtler tropical fruit there too, just behind the lychee, and all the more tantalizing for it.
The wine itself is very well balanced, with the perfect amount of body (and even a bit of that fine oily quality some fine whites get) and a very crisp acidity which leaves the flavor lingering on your tongue for many minutes after the last sip. Though bone dry, the wine has an good amount of apparent sweetness from the strength of its fruit.
This is a perfect afternoon barbecue wine, and all agreed that when chilled, it would disappear quickly. (It was already disappearing fairly quickly, to be fair.) Would be a killer pairing with the right cheese, or something a bit spicy and just a little bit sweet.
Hi guys! This is one of our cult following wines. We’ve introduced concrete to our program for Malvasia and Sauv Blanc. We feel it is a perfect complement that produces dynamite aromatics, allowing the wine to breathe without imparting and any oak qualities.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Refugio Ranch Vineyards Malvasia Bianca - $40 = 22.21%
2018 Refugio Ranch Malvasia Bianca, Santa Ynez Valley
Tasting Notes
Bright, clean, pure, delineated and so fragrant, this wine has lovely aromatics of lemon verbena, finger lime, jasmine, fresh cut cucumber, honeydew melon, pear, sea salt, and hints of white sage. Vibrant with great length from a slight preservation of malic acid, while offering a supple roundness in the mid palate, this white is layered and refreshing. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in concrete for 4 months.
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
Soil Type:
Linne Clay Loam - this whitish gray soil contains limestone pieces beginning 18”-24” below the surface. The presence of limestone captures and preserves the freshness in this wine, and being a heavier soil lends itself to a rounder mouthfeel.
Specifications
Vintage: 2018
Harvest Dates: September 12th
Alcohol: 12%
pH: 3.3
TA: 5.5 g/L
Bottled: February 8th, 2019
Cases Produced: 324
Included in the Box
4-bottles:
4x 2018 Refugio Ranch Malvasia Bianca, Santa Ynez Valley
Case:
12x 2018 Refugio Ranch Malvasia Bianca, Santa Ynez Valley
Winery: Refugio Ranch Vineyards
Owner: Kevin Gleason
Founded: 2006
Location: Santa Ynez Valley
“Refugio” (pronounced re - foo - hee - yo) means refuge in Spanish. Our family vineyard is an idyllic refuge, tucked away from the hustle of daily life.
The Refugio Ranch wines story began with Kevin Gleason planting the Refugio Ranch Vineyard in 2006 in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Kevin, along with his son Max, built the Refugio Ranch brand from scratch. It was the mission of the Gleason Family to craft wines of exquisite character, that would embody the soul of this unique corner of the earth. Years later Kevin’s daughter, Callie, joined the family wine business along with her husband Matthew, the two of them leading the sales team.
Refugio Ranch encompasses two distinct terroirs. Half of the planted acreage is nestled into the north face of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The north-facing aspect of these slopes, coupled with heavier, clay based soils, create a cooler environment than the neighboring vineyards in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley. These slopes are planted predominantly to red varietals. We call this area “The Bowl.” The other half of our planted acreage is located in the flats along the banks of the Santa Ynez River. These vineyards are more exposed and planted in sandy, alluvial soils. These “River Flats” are planted to a mix of red and white varietals.
Refugio Ranch is truly a family owned and operated business. Borrowing from Old World traditions of passing land and passion down from one generation to the next. We work on the ranch, we play on the ranch - always with the knowledge that we are merely stewards of the land in the course of its long history.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@losthighwayz No RS - closer to GB in weight. Totally dry with freshness and nose similar to a Gewurztraminer.
Thank for the shoutout, our GM Max Gleason (son of the owner) designs all of our packaging.
@rjquillin
I gotta say Smitty’s pic’s of his picnic on the lost coast pretty much pushed me over the edge I would only want 1 or 2 so if you can fill out the rest yeah.
@InFrom@rkalantari I did purchase a case. rkalantari has 4 bottles reserved. infrom, you can have 4 as well. $12.50 a bottle comes to $50 each. I got the shipping since I am a member, but there’s sales tax.
@InFrom@rkalantari hi there, just got notified that the wine was shipped! I’ll set you know when it arrives. We can meet anywhere in Forest Hills or near the subway or LIRR if that’s easier for you.
hmmmmm…is October a shipping month in SC? This looks interesting but thinking not…maybe???
And as far as price comp, not sure what’s up with the Hearst Winery reference above, but this wine is currently for sale on the Refugio Ranch website for $18.20 a bottle. 4 bottles with delivery is $102, 12 bottles with delivery is $275
The bottle arrived this afternoon and went directly into the fridge. I don’t believe we’ve ever had or even heard of this varietal before. Since it was a gorgeous evening, we used this opportunity as an excuse to visit our favorite picnic table on California’s Lost Coast for sunset.
The bottle was still quite chilled when opened. Nose was very clean and fresh. I detected a faint note of sulfur. The initial taste was not fruity or complex. Not sweet at all yet not very dry, either. What we did detect were flavors reminiscent of dried wildflowers or nasturtium. We enjoyed some Dry Monterey Jack on black pepper crackers that really complimented the wine and vice versa.
When the bottle temperature dropped to what is probably a more appropriate temperature, the flavors really opened up. The sulfur notes disappeared and we started noticing a bit of pear and grapefruit and just a wee bit of butter.
All told, the better half and I were both pleasantly surprised by this bottle. Not too sweet/fruity and not too dry/tart. It should please just about any white grape drinker. I’m in for a four-pack. If I had more room, I’d go for a case.
/giphy vapid-succinct-macaroni
@smittypap Thanks for the note, sounds tasty. No RS so no sweet, must be the fruit shining through. And not a bad setting to enjoy a glass!
@kaolis @smittypap No kidding. The winery might hire you for their advertising!
Unexpectedly received this lovely wine in the mail. Malvasia Bianca is a truly ancient varietal, so you know it has staying power. People have liked it enough to keep planting it for a couple thousand years. I’ve only had it once before, but it was memorable, as was this bottle.
We tried this at room temperature, though I will assuredly be drinking more after it has spent some time in the fridge.
Initial thoughts:
There’s a lot of vibrant fruit on the nose. Lychee comes across so clearly you’d think someone had been sneaking a piece into your glass, but there are subtler tropical fruit there too, just behind the lychee, and all the more tantalizing for it.
The wine itself is very well balanced, with the perfect amount of body (and even a bit of that fine oily quality some fine whites get) and a very crisp acidity which leaves the flavor lingering on your tongue for many minutes after the last sip. Though bone dry, the wine has an good amount of apparent sweetness from the strength of its fruit.
This is a perfect afternoon barbecue wine, and all agreed that when chilled, it would disappear quickly. (It was already disappearing fairly quickly, to be fair.) Would be a killer pairing with the right cheese, or something a bit spicy and just a little bit sweet.
Hi guys! This is one of our cult following wines. We’ve introduced concrete to our program for Malvasia and Sauv Blanc. We feel it is a perfect complement that produces dynamite aromatics, allowing the wine to breathe without imparting and any oak qualities.
Hoping for some rats!
I apparently received one of these, but I won’t be able to pick it up until tomorrow! I’ll get some notes up ASAP
Here’s a review from last year Wine Enthusiast.
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/refugio-ranch-2017-malvasia-bianca-santa-ynez-valley/
Opened one last night… Sooo good. Floral, fruity, and medium bodied. Glad I got a case!
Refugio Ranch Vineyards Malvasia Bianca
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 Refugio Ranch Vineyards Malvasia Bianca
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Refugio Ranch Vineyards Malvasia Bianca - $40 = 22.21%
That concrete will take care of your excess acidity, and how!
@SelfGovern
How so?
Concrete Evidence
and
eggs
@rjquillin @SelfGovern Cool, I had no idea. Seems like this technique really rocks!
@pmarin @rjquillin @SelfGovern Good article here. Keeps acid relevant but allows the fruit to really shine.
I was intrigued by this wine as well as the vintner. Thanks Rats; in for a case!
2018 Refugio Ranch Malvasia Bianca, Santa Ynez Valley
Tasting Notes
Bright, clean, pure, delineated and so fragrant, this wine has lovely aromatics of lemon verbena, finger lime, jasmine, fresh cut cucumber, honeydew melon, pear, sea salt, and hints of white sage. Vibrant with great length from a slight preservation of malic acid, while offering a supple roundness in the mid palate, this white is layered and refreshing. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in concrete for 4 months.
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
Soil Type:
Linne Clay Loam - this whitish gray soil contains limestone pieces beginning 18”-24” below the surface. The presence of limestone captures and preserves the freshness in this wine, and being a heavier soil lends itself to a rounder mouthfeel.
Specifications
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$387.07/case(including shipping) at Hearst Ranch Winery
About The Winery
Winery: Refugio Ranch Vineyards
Owner: Kevin Gleason
Founded: 2006
Location: Santa Ynez Valley
“Refugio” (pronounced re - foo - hee - yo) means refuge in Spanish. Our family vineyard is an idyllic refuge, tucked away from the hustle of daily life.
The Refugio Ranch wines story began with Kevin Gleason planting the Refugio Ranch Vineyard in 2006 in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Kevin, along with his son Max, built the Refugio Ranch brand from scratch. It was the mission of the Gleason Family to craft wines of exquisite character, that would embody the soul of this unique corner of the earth. Years later Kevin’s daughter, Callie, joined the family wine business along with her husband Matthew, the two of them leading the sales team.
Refugio Ranch encompasses two distinct terroirs. Half of the planted acreage is nestled into the north face of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The north-facing aspect of these slopes, coupled with heavier, clay based soils, create a cooler environment than the neighboring vineyards in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley. These slopes are planted predominantly to red varietals. We call this area “The Bowl.” The other half of our planted acreage is located in the flats along the banks of the Santa Ynez River. These vineyards are more exposed and planted in sandy, alluvial soils. These “River Flats” are planted to a mix of red and white varietals.
Refugio Ranch is truly a family owned and operated business. Borrowing from Old World traditions of passing land and passion down from one generation to the next. We work on the ranch, we play on the ranch - always with the knowledge that we are merely stewards of the land in the course of its long history.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, October 10th - Monday, October 14th
I’m in. Good Malvasia Bianca is hard to find and this sounds good!
@karenhynes you will not be disappointed!
Tons of states but No Minnesota? Unusual. New regs?
Never had a Malvasia. Is it closer to a Sauv Blanc or Grenache Blanc? Neither?
Any RS?
Very pretty bottle btw
@losthighwayz No RS - closer to GB in weight. Totally dry with freshness and nose similar to a Gewurztraminer.
Thank for the shoutout, our GM Max Gleason (son of the owner) designs all of our packaging.
Sounds like a nice wine! Anyone in PDX wanna split a case with me?
@CruelMelody I would be in for 3-4.
@douglasp60 Hopefully one more person is interested!
Suspicious, but will try a case. If good (to me, dry and aromatic) will be awesome. Worth the risk. I can’t just keep buying italian wines!
@salpo worth it! We make the wines we like to drink and your two descriptors are what we aim for!
I think this is my favorite order number yet
/image afraid-murderous-wave
Looking for SD/SoCal to split with.
@rjquillin
I would only want 1 or 2 so if you can fill out the rest yeah.
I gotta say Smitty’s pic’s of his picnic on the lost coast pretty much pushed me over the edge
@ScottW58
Yeah, if that was included with a case order this would be an insta-buy.
@rjquillin I can take a few if it helps.
@CorTot can you do the distribution?
@rjquillin sure.
@CorTot ScottW58
undulating-secretive-fold
@klezman you want a bottle or three?
@CorTot @rjquillin it’d be fun to taste love of these. I’m not even buying the Pedroncelli we are so overstocked. So let me know.
@klezman @rjquillin @scottw58
This should arrive today, what’s the distribution?
@CorTot @klezman @rjquillin
I will take 2
@CorTot @klezman @ScottW58
As long as I get a couple, or three, I’m good.
@klezman @rjquillin @ScottW58 Klez, you want 3 or 4?
@CorTot @rjquillin @ScottW58 I only want one or two. Too much wine!
@klezman @rjquillin @ScottW58
4 for RJ
4 for cortots bride
2 for Scott
2 for Klez
Des Moines is in, super excited to try this!
/giphy https://casemates.com/orders/maddening-penultimate-shape
I am a member of the Refugio wine club and enjoy their wines. Kevin and his staff are wonderful to work with. This is an excellent deal.
@Kildahl Thank you for your continued support!
Any NE OH interest?
@chipgreen You can count me in on a split. I think @mehnyblooms LOVES good white wines…let’s see if she jumps on board. (hint, hint)
@chipgreen @mehnyblooms I’d be happy to do the heavy lifting also.
@chipgreen @mrn1 I’d love 2-3 bottles. It sounds delicious.
@chipgreen @mehnyblooms @mrn1 Likewise on interest and likewise on heavy lifting.
@chipgreen @marikar @mehnyblooms 1 case on it’s way to me for the 4 of us to share!
@marikar @mehnyblooms @mrn1
Great, thank you! Wife and I had a really nice Malvasia Bianca in VA last year. Looking forward to trying this!
Any nyc interest?
@rkalantari I ordered 12. DM me if you’re interested in picking up in Greenpoint, BK.
@rkalantari I haven’t ordered yet but can do a split in Forest Hills.
@irenegade @rkalantari I don’t know if I want half a case, but I would certainly take 3-4 if I’m picking them up in Forest Hills.
Or, I’d take 2-3, if we’re going to rendez-vous in the subway in Manhattan.
Unfortunately I don’t get to Greenpoint often enough to undertake to split a case with @brianoh82.
@brianoh82 @InFrom @rkalantari Okay, I’ll order a case if you are in for 4, @rkalantari
@irenegade What’s the plan if rkalantari is not joining us? Will you still order?
@InFrom @irenegade im in for 3-4 but greenpoints too far for me!
@irenegade @rkalantari How about Forest Hills?
@irenegade @rkalantari I could take 5, if that helps matters. 4 would be fine also.
@InFrom @irenegade prefer manhattan!
@irenegade @rkalantari I had a feeling that would be the case. The question is, did we buy a case? I’m eyeing that Pedroncelli…
@irenegade @rkalantari
Guess not…
@InFrom @rkalantari I did purchase a case. rkalantari has 4 bottles reserved. infrom, you can have 4 as well. $12.50 a bottle comes to $50 each. I got the shipping since I am a member, but there’s sales tax.
@InFrom @rkalantari I love Pedroncelli, but I’m not a Zin fan.
@irenegade @rkalantari
Happy to hear it, thanks! Let us know when it arrives.
@InFrom @rkalantari I’ll let you know when the case is n the way to me. @rkalantari please let me know if you are good to go for 4 bottles!
@InFrom @rkalantari hi there, just got notified that the wine was shipped! I’ll set you know when it arrives. We can meet anywhere in Forest Hills or near the subway or LIRR if that’s easier for you.
hmmmmm…is October a shipping month in SC? This looks interesting but thinking not…maybe???
And as far as price comp, not sure what’s up with the Hearst Winery reference above, but this wine is currently for sale on the Refugio Ranch website for $18.20 a bottle. 4 bottles with delivery is $102, 12 bottles with delivery is $275
It’s good to have a passion for wine. A pesky sordid passion.
/giphy pesky-sordid-passion
I’m interested but am getting ready to travel so does anyone know when this would arrive on the east coast?
@eastcoastmary around October 7-9
/giphy equable-rowdy-cake
@losthighwayz that’s my wife when the “box” arrives…