ROBERT SINSKEY ABRAXAS 2018

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Deep golden straw with brilliant clarity and subtle green-gold reflections at the rim.

Nose: Complex and layered aromatics reveal themselves gradually: Meyer lemon peel, white peach, honeysuckle, and fresh apricot lead, with secondary notes of chamomile tea, wet stone, beeswax, and subtle baking spices. The bouquet shows impressive evolution with air, gaining depth and nuance.

Palate: Medium-bodied with remarkable textural complexity and exceptional balance. The wine enters with vibrant citrus (preserved lemon, mandarin) and stone fruit notes (white peach, apricot) before revealing layers of complexity—wildflower honey, fresh herb (lemon verbena, tarragon), and a captivating saline minerality. The integration of fruit, acidity, texture, and subtle phenolic grip creates a multidimensional experience that continues to evolve in the glass.

Finish: Persistent and harmonious with lingering notes of orchard fruit, subtle spice, and a refined mineral quality. The finish maintains impressive length while remaining fresh and inviting, with a subtle honeyed note on the farewell.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Producer: Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Region: Carneros, Napa Valley, California
Blend: Approximately equal parts Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol: 13.2% ABV
Farming: Certified organic and Biodynamic®
Fermentation: Native yeasts in neutral French oak barrels
Aging: 8 months on fine lees in neutral oak
Production: Approximately 1,500 cases
Closure: Natural cork
Suggested Retail: $40-48

VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES

The 2018 Abraxas sources fruit exclusively from Robert Sinskey's certified organic and Biodynamic® estate vineyards in the cool Carneros region at the southern end of Napa Valley. The cool maritime influence from the San Pablo Bay creates ideal conditions for aromatic white varieties, with foggy mornings and afternoon breezes that maintain acidity while allowing gradual flavor development.

The 2018 growing season in Carneros was characterized by its moderation—a welcome return to normal after several challenging years. A mild spring led to an even fruit set, while summer temperatures remained moderate, allowing for extended hang time and optimal phenolic development without accumulating excessive sugar.

The Abraxas philosophy embraces field blending—where different varieties are harvested and fermented together rather than as separate lots. Fruit from these co-planted blocks was harvested together by hand in the cool morning hours, whole-cluster pressed, and allowed to settle naturally without fining. Fermentation proceeded with indigenous yeasts in neutral French oak barrels of varying sizes, followed by 8 months aging on fine lees with periodic stirring (bâtonnage) to enhance textural complexity.

The resulting wine embodies the ancient Greek concept of "Abraxas"—representing the integration of opposites into a harmonious whole, where each variety contributes its unique character to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

• Shellfish, particularly Dungeness crab or scallops
• Rich fish preparations (halibut with beurre blanc, black cod)
• Roast chicken with herbs and citrus
• Moderately spiced Asian cuisine (Vietnamese, Thai)
• Fresh goat cheese or triple-cream cheeses
• Spring vegetable dishes with fresh herbs
• Pork tenderloin with fruit compote

ABOUT ROBERT SINSKEY VINEYARDS

Founded in 1988 by Robert Sinskey, RSV has established itself as one of Napa Valley's pioneers in organic and Biodynamic® viticulture, having practiced these methods since the mid-1990s, long before they became fashionable in California.

The winery, guided by the complementary talents of Robert Sinskey and his wife Maria Helm Sinskey (an acclaimed chef and cookbook author), embraces a philosophy that wine is meant for the table. This food-centricity influences their winemaking approach, which emphasizes balance, elegance, and compatibility with cuisine rather than power or extraction.

Working with 100% estate vineyards spanning five Carneros locations and three in northern Napa Valley, RSV cultivates over 200 acres of vines without synthetic chemicals, instead focusing on building biodiversity and soil health. Their holistic approach includes maintaining sheep for grazing cover crops, extensive composting programs, and diverse garden plantings that attract beneficial insects.

Winemaking at RSV follows a minimal intervention philosophy—native yeast fermentations, limited oak influence, and patience during aging to allow wines to develop naturally. The result is wines of authenticity, complexity, and balance that reflect both their exceptional terroir and the thoughtful approach of their creators.

FASCINATING INSIGHTS ABOUT ABRAXAS

• The name "Abraxas" comes from ancient Gnostic teachings, representing a mystical concept that transcends dualities and embodies the harmony of unified opposites—reflecting how four distinct grape varieties blend to create a singular, harmonious expression.
• Unlike most white blends, which are created by blending separate varietal wines after fermentation, Abraxas embraces the traditional field blend approach, where multiple varieties grow together, are harvested together, and co-ferment—allowing for a natural integration of flavors.
• The four varieties in Abraxas each contribute distinctive elements: Riesling brings acidity and structure; Pinot Blanc adds rounded texture; Pinot Gris contributes subtle richness; and Gewürztraminer provides aromatic complexity and spice notes.
• While many California producers focus on single varietal wines, Abraxas represents a thoughtful expression of the European tradition of blending complementary varieties to create a wine that transcends its components.
• Abraxas has been produced since 1996, making it one of California's longest-running white blends focused on aromatic varieties traditionally associated with Alsace, France.
• Robert Sinskey's commitment to Biodynamic® farming (certified by Demeter) represents one of the most comprehensive approaches in Napa Valley, treating the entire estate as an integrated, living organism and following the Biodynamic® calendar for vineyard and cellar operations.
• With bottle age, Abraxas develops remarkable complexity, with reports of 10+ year old bottles showing honey, petrol, and spice notes while maintaining freshness—demonstrating that thoughtfully produced California white wines can age gracefully.