2018 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc

$36.00/bottle

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Winemaker's Comments

We are excited to announce that this inviting new Sauvignon Blanc contains 60 percent of our own estate fruit. Even though the Meredith and Maefield vineyards were planted recently, in 2015, they are producing delicious fruit in abundant quantity! Sauvignon Musqué makes up 42% of the blend; the balance is the Shenandoah clone. The wine was fully barrel fermented in Tonnellerie Cadus barrels, 18% new. Lees stirring was then done twice weekly for six months, building luscious body.

The aroma of this wine is compelling, virtually reaching out and grabbing our attention. Yellow peach, melon, guava and crisp Fuji apple are accented with hints of tropical mango and pineapple. Lime, Minneola tangelo and orange blossom lend citrus notes. Accents of dry summer grass, vanilla-toned panna cotta and toasted crème brûlée create complexity. An underlying minerality adds further sophistication.

The rich palate coats the tongue balanced with hints of yummy Creamsicle and Ruby Red grapefruit. Refreshing acidity and a mouthwatering finish cap the sensual experience of this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Delightful now, with bottle age, this wine will be a knockout!

My good friend Chef John Ash, the Godfather of Wine Country cuisine, created Kaffir Lime and Coconut Soup with Black Cod as an homage to his favorite fish. The combination of Kaffir lime and coconut milk with the slightly spicy broth makes an outstanding pairing with our 2018 Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy!

Critical Acclaim

"White Wine Discoveries": 93 points

"A pretty thread of orange water adds an aromatic lift to the core of nectarine, apricot and lemon zest flavors, set on a succulent, fleshy frame. Dried ginger, honeysuckle and melon notes linger on the long, expressive finish." See the report here (log-in required): Wine Spectator Insider

MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator Insider, Feb. 5, 2020

92 points

"The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc contains 60% estate fruit this year and 42% of the blend comes from Sauvignon Musqué. Barrel fermented and aged in 18% new oak with twice-weekly lees stirring, it has a gregarious nose with gooseberry, tart kiwi, tarragon, cut grass, white peaches and elderflower plus touches of lime and stone. Light to medium-bodied, it offers great flavor intensity with bright, zippy acidity and a long, lightly textured finish."

Erin Brooks, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2019

95 points / Award of Excellence

“I don’t think there’s a Sauvignon Blanc out there with the complex array of aromatics and unique flavors offered up by this stellar super-Sauv. The fruit hails from 60% of Merry Edwards estate and 42% of the blend is Sauvignon Musqué. Fully barrel fermented in French oak and on the lees for six months. Scents of salted butterscotch, peach blossom, just-mowed grass and pineapple fill the air. Developed flavors of jasmine-soaked pears and honeyed tangerine are mesmerizing – and the acidity pulls it all together.”

Meridith May, Tasting Panel, April 2020

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