Wilson Foreigner, Sierra Foothills (California) Albariño 2018

 This brand is owned by two couples, one from Napa (the Wilsons) and the other from South Africa, presumably the foreigner, who own Alheit Vineyards in the Western Cape.  Working together under this brand in 2015, the two couples have focused on Napa Valdiguie from the Wilson’s vineyard, Contra Costa Old Vine Zinfandel, and Albariño from a small, low-yielding vineyard outside the town of Murphys.  Fermented in neutral Hungarian oak, and aged on the lees, the Albariño is surprisingly and pleasantly rich and ripe in style.  It leans decidedly toward the ripe peach and orange side in its aromas.   On the palate, it is medium full bodied with ripe fruit and leesy, unctuous texture.