Birichino Yount Mill Vineyard Old Vines Semillon 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Yount Mill Vineyard, situated in Napa Valley’s Yountville AVA, is an exceptional site for producing distinctive Sémillon. Planted in 1962, the vineyard is dry-farmed and managed organically, thriving without irrigation. This ensures the vines develop deep root systems, extracting nutrients and minerality from the soil, resulting in grapes with remarkable concentration and character.

Located in a region renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, these Sémillon vines have endured thanks to their ability to produce something truly unique. The warm days and cool nights of the Napa Valley climate contribute to the balance of ripeness and acidity, while the vineyard’s old vines lend the wine a remarkable textural complexity.

Winemaking

This vintage was harvested in August, ensuring the grapes retained their natural acidity and aromatic freshness. The winemaking approach was fine-tuned, emphasizing restraint and purity. The wine was aged primarily in stainless steel (80%), with a small proportion in neutral barrels (20%) to enhance body and texture without introducing oak flavors.

Though the Sémillon underwent complete malolactic fermentation, the finished wine retained its bright, zesty edge, showcasing its signature lime and herbal character. At 11.5% alcohol, the wine is notably light yet remarkably concentrated, thanks to the unique qualities of the Yount Mill vines.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw yellow with brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: Subtle yet intriguing, with notes of lime zest, juniper, and a hint of savory herbs reminiscent of a gin and tonic.
• Palate: Bright and vibrant, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a savory undertone. The wine’s texture is sleek and condensed, delivering both freshness and complexity. A long, clean finish highlights its unique botanical edge.

Did You Know?

Sémillon is rarely bottled as a single varietal outside of Australia’s Hunter Valley, South Africa, and a few select sites in Washington State. The Yount Mill Sémillon, however, stands out due to its vibrant freshness, savory texture, and ability to produce compelling wines even at modest ripeness levels.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared scallops with lemon butter: The wine’s zesty citrus notes complement the richness of scallops while its herbal undertone adds depth.
• Roasted chicken with tarragon: The savory, botanical character of the wine pairs beautifully with herbaceous dishes.
• Vegetable risotto with parsley and asparagus: The wine’s freshness enhances the green, herbal flavors of the dish.
• Goat cheese tart with caramelized onions: Its acidity and complexity balance the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the onions.

History of Birichino

Founded in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke, both seasoned winemakers with extensive experience in California and abroad, Birichino (meaning “mischievous” in Italian) embodies a spirit of creativity and exploration. The duo, who worked together at Bonny Doon Vineyard, brought their shared passion for old vines, traditional techniques, and non-interventionist winemaking to the project.

Birichino’s focus is on underappreciated varietals and vineyards with deep historical significance. With an eye for sourcing fruit from historic vineyards planted as early as the late 19th century, Alex and John prioritize sites that naturally produce balanced fruit requiring minimal intervention.

The name “Birichino” reflects their playful yet thoughtful approach to winemaking—a dedication to crafting wines that are both authentic expressions of place and delightful to drink.

Region and Vineyards

Birichino sources its grapes from a collection of unique and historically significant vineyards across California’s Central Coast, including Santa Cruz Mountains, Chalone AVA, Lodi, and Santa Clara Valley.

• Besson Vineyard (Santa Clara Valley): Planted in 1910, this site is known for its Grenache Noir vines, which produce elegant, aromatic wines with a distinct botanical freshness.
• Rodnick Farm (Chalone AVA): Previously known as Antle Vineyard, this site features granite and limestone-rich soils, yielding Pinot Noir and other varietals with a remarkable mineral character.
• Enz Vineyard (Lime Kiln Valley): A unique terroir producing wines with earthy depth and intense minerality, especially from old-vine Mourvèdre.
• Yount Mill Vineyard (Napa Valley): Historic Sémillon vines planted in 1962, known for their concentrated, low-alcohol wines with herbal and citrus complexity.

These vineyards, many of which are farmed organically or dry-farmed, highlight the diversity and history of California’s viticultural landscape.

Wine Range of Birichino

Birichino’s wine range reflects the diversity of California’s terroirs, combining a focus on heritage vineyards with a playful approach to winemaking. Each wine embodies the authentic character of the varietal and site, offering a spectrum of styles that appeal to both traditionalists and modern wine lovers:

• Pinot Noir: Elegant and terroir-driven, these wines showcase the cool-climate freshness and mineral depth of vineyards like Rodnick Farm and Besson. The Pinots balance vibrant red fruit with savory complexity, creating refined yet approachable expressions.
• Grenache: Highlighted by the iconic Besson Grenache Vignes Centenaires, these wines are aromatic, layered, and nuanced, reflecting the botanical freshness of century-old vines.
• Zinfandel: Crafted with restraint and finesse, Birichino’s Zinfandels emphasize the purity of fruit and structure, offering a counterpoint to the bold, jammy styles often associated with this varietal.
• Sémillon: A rarity in California, Birichino’s Sémillon from the Yount Mill Vineyard is bright, savory, and textured, with unique herbal and citrus notes.
• Mourvèdre: From old vines like those in the Enz Vineyard, these wines are earthy, structured, and profoundly mineral, reflecting their unique terroir.
• Sparkling Wines: Crafted using traditional methods, these effervescent gems balance lively acidity with elegant complexity, showcasing Birichino’s playful and versatile approach.

Each bottle is a tribute to minimal-intervention winemaking, allowing the personality of the vineyard and varietal to shine through in its purest form.

Did You Know?

The founders of Birichino are avid supporters of regenerative agriculture and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their wines often feature spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, no fining or filtration, and restrained use of oak to preserve the purity of fruit and terroir.