Inglenook, Rutherford, Napa Valley (California) 2020

 This is an interesting wine, focusing on an expression of the estate, per the winery’s website.  The production inputs are that the fruit was biodynamically farmed, sourced from 120 different plots; only 11% new oak in the elevage.  These facts, as well as the grapes selected to produce it — Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne — seem to confirm that this is less of a commercial concern and more an attempt to achieve their stated goal.  While initially shy in the glass, with some time after opening (and more importantly aeration in the mouth), a huge range of scents and flavors blossom:  Sweet, oily almond, perfumed pear skin, and zesty citrus oil.  This range of aromas is carried along by the weighty, richly textured palate, which also shows a good backing structure of acidity.  This is delicious now and while it may age well, I don’t see a reason to wait to enjoy it.  Given the balance of this wine, it should pair beautifully with a wide range of foods.  I can imagine white fish baked in parchment with zucchini and green olives or a sheet pan roast of chicken scented with herbs de Provence or a simpler garlic and thyme rub and new potatoes.