Muscat Blanc à petite grains is typically grown in relatively warm viticultural regions. Philo is on the fringe of having adequate summer heat to get this aromatic grape ripe. Navarro's first Muscat vines were planted in 1975 on a simple t-top trellis; the grapes seldom ripened to our satisfaction. Our trellis designs had gotten more sophisticated by 1990 when we planted the field that produced this wine. In order to maximize solar collection we used a multi-wire Lyre system, the same system we prefer for Pinot Noir in our Hammer Olsen field. A large leaf surface area relative to crop weight is an advantage in Navarro's maritime climate. The 2007 growing season put our trellis design to the test.

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After véraison the nights started cooling off and by October 6^th the early morning temperatures were in the mid 30's. By mid-October it was obvious that the grapes were as ripe as they were going to get. We hand picked with moderate sugars and high acidity, then de-stemmed and pressed. The juice temperature after pressing was 41°F which pleased the winemaker; cool juice picks up fewer harsh skin phenolics. Fermented in oak ovals and aged sur lie for 5 months, the wine has hints of yeast and vanilla. Floral and tropical fruit aromas yield to a surprisingly dry finish with dazzling acidity. Try it with Szechuan takeout for supper aromatherapy. Gold Medal winner. Best of Class.