Review: Wines of Balletto, Late 2019 Releases
This is our second go-round with Balletto this year, following on our review of its heartier wines back in March. Today we look at some lighter fare: three whites, all made with fruit from the Russian River Valley. Thoughts follow.
2018 Balletto Pinot Gris Russian River Valley – Boldly fruit-forward with lemon and sharp tangerine notes, there’s an equally punchy floral character underpinning this wine, giving the experience a substantially perfumed element. Notes of lychee and pineapple brighten up on the otherwise sharp, acidic finish. B+ / $20
2018 Balletto Chardonnay Teresa’s Unoaked Russian River Valley – While slightly doughy, this stainless steel-rested chardonnay pours on plenty of fruit, a guava and gentle lemon character dominating. Notes of coconut and mango hang in for the finish, though a somewhat gummy texture robs the wine of some needed acidity. B+ / $20
2018 Balletto Savuignon Blanc Russian River Valley – A surprisingly creamy sauvignon blanc, this wine wears its fruit on its sleeve. Mango, pineapple, and coconut notes all interplay a bit bluntly, with a squeeze of orange juice over the top. The acidity that sauvignon blanc so badly needs is a bit lacking here, though the finish is reasonably bright. B / $20
