This 2021 Vermentino is a brilliant, pale lemon hue, teeming with tropical aromatic notes— from guava to mangoes and kiwis, and nascent pineapple and a burst of sea spray, hints of a freshly trimmed lawn, and just a soupçon of honeysuckle blossoms. The palate gives way to a rich palette of flavors from candied orange peel to ripe white peaches, nicely framed in a briny package. Bursting with flavor, this mouthwatering wine is nothing short of exuberant with a personality truly its own.
Originally hailing from coastal Tuscany and Sardinia, our seventh vintage of the esoteric Italian varietal Vermentino embodies a unique expression from its perch nestled in the volcanic soils of the Sierra Foothills. We harvest at night, gently whole-cluster press and ferment in stainless steel, all to retain freshness. To add a touch of roundness to the wine, we age briefly sur lie.
Food-friendly to boot, have a glass at the start of your evening with a crusty brandade, and let the evening meander with barbecued oysters for a veritable celebration of the sea!
Winemaking
Whole cluster pressed, fermented in stainless steel, aged sur lie for seven months.
Casino Mine Ranch is an estate vineyard located in the Sierra Foothills of Amador County. The winery - a century old ranch that was once mined for gold — is owned and managed by fourth-generation California brothers, Jim and Rich Merryman.
The vineyard is planted and farmed to best harness the potential of the site, through thoughtfully selected grape varietals. In keeping with the family’s pioneering spirit, the Merryman’s partnered with the highly acclaimed winemaking team of Andy Erickson and Jessica Tarpy who share a passion for great wines from special sites. Together with their commitment to hard work, connection to the land, and passion to produce the best wine possible they are pursuing a legacy that honors the history, family, and the land.
We invite you to visit our Amador County ranch. You can taste our rare and exceptional wines in our private cellar, and you can step into our wine cave, originally carved out by miners.
“This is Gold Country. So there are all these great mineral deposits: Quartz that sparkles, and volcanic rock, and ash. And the wine caves—these are not Napa Valley caves—are former mine caves, carved out of the hills.” Andy Erickson, Consulting Winemaker
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Alright, now we talk about the 2021 Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino… but we do it with respect. You see, wine is like a man’s reputation. You take time, you cultivate it, and in the end, you hope it’s something people will remember. This Vermentino… it comes from good stock. It’s got roots in Italy—Tuscany, Sardinia—but it’s made here, in the California foothills. A little different, but it’s still part of the family, capisce?
Now, when you look at it, this wine… it’s got a color. Brilliant lemon, with just a hint of herbaceousness. That herbaceousness, it’s like tradition. It’s subtle, but it’s there. You see it, and you know this wine… it’s something special. Like a man who’s earned respect over many years.
You put the glass to your nose, and what do you get? Tropical notes—grapefruit and those little sweet grapes that my father used to grow in his garden in Sicily. It’s a strong, steady aroma. It doesn’t overwhelm you, no. It invites you in, like a man offering his hand in friendship. But you don’t take that lightly, because you know, “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” And this wine… it’s got that family history, that bond to the land.
When you taste it, the citrus comes through first. Zest, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, it’s bursting with flavor, and could cut through fat like Brasi could cut through…fuhgeddaboudit. This wine would be perfect for a giving of thanks around a table, is all I’m saying. But underneath, there’s more. You taste the patience, the care. It’s smooth, but strong, like a man who’s lived through many seasons and understands that strength doesn’t always have to shout. It’s in the way you carry yourself. Like I always said, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” This wine, it makes you an offer, and you can’t say no.
The sur lie aging… that’s the secret. It gives the wine a little extra roundness, a bit of depth. But not too much. You don’t overdo it. It’s like family—you give it what it needs, but you don’t smother it. You let it breathe, let it grow. You respect it.
This Vermentino… it’s for those who appreciate tradition, but understand the need for something new. It’s a wine with heart, with roots, and with respect. And in the end, that’s all a man can ask for.
Apparently I couldn’t stop thinking about the Armenian mafia Pinot… Thank you Alice and WineDavid for another awesome opportunity to rat some delicious wine!
And, FYI, totally buying a case. No brainer. It’ll be perfect for Thanksgiving!
@losthighwayz sorry for the late reply. It’s a great well made Vermentino. At $99/case, you’d be hard pressed to match that wine. I split a case of the last offering with friends. It disappeared in no time. A very classy everyday sipper.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino - $30 = 23.07%
@Mark_L The comment that I found most interesting from the 8/24/24 offering:
“Before I buy an older white, I like to see a recent report of how it is holding up. Seeing a suggestion that its best window ended two years ago made me decide not to buy without a rattage that says it is still at its peak. And the brief notes we got (easy drinking, little to no nose) made me think it was perhaps too old.”
Any rats have thoughts on how this one is holding up?
@HOUSTONHOARDER@Mark_L as per my above rattage, this wine is great! Still delicious and still in its peak. I ordered a case for thanksgiving as it will no doubt cut through all the rich food. I’m trying to decide if I want more.
Hi Casemates, Casino Mine is a relatively new winery in the neighborhood. I have enjoyed their wines and have them in my cellar. A winery you need to explore.
Cheers,
Scott
@ScottHarveyWine@MattZaldivar
Thanks for the arm twist Scott, and welcome Matt.
In for a case for drinking and gifting; like me some age on the bottle.
Hello all! I am excited to be joining the Lab Rat Community and experiencing my first bottle. The Vermentino from Casino Mine Ranch was less of dipping a toe in the water and more like taking a lovely swan dive. First pour had a much more fragrant bouquet than I was expecting for the lightness of the color of the wine. It was a burst to the senses, not surprising as this wine is fermented in stainless steel. On first sip, it also had a heavier mouthfeel than I was expecting which I attribute to the sur lie aging process.
My Partner in Wine and I paired this wine with a crisp and zesty chicken caeser salad. The fruit notes of pear, green apple and white peach were easily distinguished and complimented the dish. I’m looking forward to trying this wine with spicier flavor profiles, either Mediterranean or even some Asian dishes. I think the fullness of this varietal would hold up well to the spices and would be a welcome cleansing of the heat on the palate.
I also agree with mattykillpatty and others above that this wine would be a crisp and clean addition to the heaviness of a Thanksgiving dinner.
Thank you Alice, for the lab ratting opportunity!! Cheers!
Matt Zaldivar here. I’m the GM of Casino Mine Ranch, and we’re very excited on partnering with Casemates by offering our 2021 Vermentino!
First off, our flagship white, Vermentino has always been a staff favorite. It’s now it’s become a staple on most of our members to-go bags after visiting our tasting room.
It’s vibrant, it’s zesty and despite its vintage, it still retains its freshness that Vermentino is known for.
This wine won “Best of Show White Wine” at last year’s Amador County Wine Competition.
@rjquillin From my “studies” with our library wines, I’ve found our Vermentino to evolve well into it’s 4th year in bottle. I suspect Vermentino’s high acidity is the reason why the fruit flavors continue to evolve into lovely tertiary flavors
It’s here, landed on my doorsteps about 15 minutes ago, outside temps in the 40s, for the first time in about 100 cases from casemates I didn’t worry about bottle shock, and opened a bottle and love it. Everything you described is true, now to find some crackers and cheese and the daily question as to what’s for supper has been answered
2021 Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$288.00/Case for 12x 2021 Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino at Casino Mine Ranch
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 11 - Tuesday, Nov 12
2021 Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino
6 bottles for $64.99 $10.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $99.99 $8.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Alright, now we talk about the 2021 Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino… but we do it with respect. You see, wine is like a man’s reputation. You take time, you cultivate it, and in the end, you hope it’s something people will remember. This Vermentino… it comes from good stock. It’s got roots in Italy—Tuscany, Sardinia—but it’s made here, in the California foothills. A little different, but it’s still part of the family, capisce?
Now, when you look at it, this wine… it’s got a color. Brilliant lemon, with just a hint of herbaceousness. That herbaceousness, it’s like tradition. It’s subtle, but it’s there. You see it, and you know this wine… it’s something special. Like a man who’s earned respect over many years.
You put the glass to your nose, and what do you get? Tropical notes—grapefruit and those little sweet grapes that my father used to grow in his garden in Sicily. It’s a strong, steady aroma. It doesn’t overwhelm you, no. It invites you in, like a man offering his hand in friendship. But you don’t take that lightly, because you know, “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” And this wine… it’s got that family history, that bond to the land.
When you taste it, the citrus comes through first. Zest, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, it’s bursting with flavor, and could cut through fat like Brasi could cut through…fuhgeddaboudit. This wine would be perfect for a giving of thanks around a table, is all I’m saying. But underneath, there’s more. You taste the patience, the care. It’s smooth, but strong, like a man who’s lived through many seasons and understands that strength doesn’t always have to shout. It’s in the way you carry yourself. Like I always said, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” This wine, it makes you an offer, and you can’t say no.
The sur lie aging… that’s the secret. It gives the wine a little extra roundness, a bit of depth. But not too much. You don’t overdo it. It’s like family—you give it what it needs, but you don’t smother it. You let it breathe, let it grow. You respect it.
This Vermentino… it’s for those who appreciate tradition, but understand the need for something new. It’s a wine with heart, with roots, and with respect. And in the end, that’s all a man can ask for.
Apparently I couldn’t stop thinking about the Armenian mafia Pinot… Thank you Alice and WineDavid for another awesome opportunity to rat some delicious wine!
And, FYI, totally buying a case. No brainer. It’ll be perfect for Thanksgiving!
LEGOS! EGGOS! STRATEGO! AWESOME!
/giphy alive-angelic-chocolate
This is a no brainer and an automatic case buy!
@winesnob care to elaborate? I’m on the fence
@losthighwayz sorry for the late reply. It’s a great well made Vermentino. At $99/case, you’d be hard pressed to match that wine. I split a case of the last offering with friends. It disappeared in no time. A very classy everyday sipper.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino - $30 = 23.07%
Previously offered on 8/24/24.
I should have mentioned that this was for the 2018 and 2019.
@Mark_L The comment that I found most interesting from the 8/24/24 offering:
“Before I buy an older white, I like to see a recent report of how it is holding up. Seeing a suggestion that its best window ended two years ago made me decide not to buy without a rattage that says it is still at its peak. And the brief notes we got (easy drinking, little to no nose) made me think it was perhaps too old.”
Any rats have thoughts on how this one is holding up?
@HOUSTONHOARDER @Mark_L as per my above rattage, this wine is great! Still delicious and still in its peak. I ordered a case for thanksgiving as it will no doubt cut through all the rich food. I’m trying to decide if I want more.
@Mark_L @mattykillpatty Thank you, I am in for a case! Let me know if anyone in Houston wants the other half.
Hi Casemates, Casino Mine is a relatively new winery in the neighborhood. I have enjoyed their wines and have them in my cellar. A winery you need to explore.
Cheers,
Scott
@ScottHarveyWine Well, hearing from Scott tipped the scale for me! In for a case.
Cheers!
@ScottHarveyWine
Which of their bottlings have you tried?
Additional thoughts?
Can you twist an arm to get them on the board today?
@rjquillin My favorite wine is the Greco which they call Flicka. I’ll email them to let them how important and fun it is to get on the board.
@ScottHarveyWine @MattZaldivar
Thanks for the arm twist Scott, and welcome Matt.
In for a case for drinking and gifting; like me some age on the bottle.
Hello all! I am excited to be joining the Lab Rat Community and experiencing my first bottle. The Vermentino from Casino Mine Ranch was less of dipping a toe in the water and more like taking a lovely swan dive. First pour had a much more fragrant bouquet than I was expecting for the lightness of the color of the wine. It was a burst to the senses, not surprising as this wine is fermented in stainless steel. On first sip, it also had a heavier mouthfeel than I was expecting which I attribute to the sur lie aging process.
My Partner in Wine and I paired this wine with a crisp and zesty chicken caeser salad. The fruit notes of pear, green apple and white peach were easily distinguished and complimented the dish. I’m looking forward to trying this wine with spicier flavor profiles, either Mediterranean or even some Asian dishes. I think the fullness of this varietal would hold up well to the spices and would be a welcome cleansing of the heat on the palate.
I also agree with mattykillpatty and others above that this wine would be a crisp and clean addition to the heaviness of a Thanksgiving dinner.
Thank you Alice, for the lab ratting opportunity!! Cheers!
/giphy panicky-attractive-wrist
/giphy soaked-flowery-mink
Good for gifting and the UPS store crew
Hey guys!
Matt Zaldivar here. I’m the GM of Casino Mine Ranch, and we’re very excited on partnering with Casemates by offering our 2021 Vermentino!
First off, our flagship white, Vermentino has always been a staff favorite. It’s now it’s become a staple on most of our members to-go bags after visiting our tasting room.
It’s vibrant, it’s zesty and despite its vintage, it still retains its freshness that Vermentino is known for.
This wine won “Best of Show White Wine” at last year’s Amador County Wine Competition.
Feel free to hit me up directly if you have any other questions: matt@casinomineranch.com.
Cheers!
@MattZaldivar
I guess I’ll ask the still unasked…
Properly cellared, how much longer would you expect this to continue to evolve?
@rjquillin From my “studies” with our library wines, I’ve found our Vermentino to evolve well into it’s 4th year in bottle. I suspect Vermentino’s high acidity is the reason why the fruit flavors continue to evolve into lovely tertiary flavors
@MattZaldivar
It’s here, landed on my doorsteps about 15 minutes ago, outside temps in the 40s, for the first time in about 100 cases from casemates I didn’t worry about bottle shock, and opened a bottle and love it. Everything you described is true, now to find some crackers and cheese and the daily question as to what’s for supper has been answered
@MattZaldivar @winecaseaholic I completely agree. Future autobuy.
Hubby is traveling so it’s my job to keep an eye on Casemates and well, we’re in for a case!
/giphy foxy-rewarding-property
Thank you rats and @mattzaldivar for the notes.
In for a case!
/giphy nerdy-luxurious-money
