GOLD MEDAL – 2019 Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Appellation Profile

The Russian River Valley is blessed by a myriad of microclimates – however, the unifying characteristic are foggy mornings and evenings that cool off hot summer days in the vineyard. The result is an extended growing season that allows grapes to fully ripen while keeping their fresh, vibrant acidity. This climate is a perfect showcase for Sauvignon Blanc – the grape is at once both plush and tropical as well as pleasantly invigorating – the best of both worlds.

This bottling’s rich golden straw color sets the stage for a lush and complex Chardonnay. On the nose, baked Gravenstein apples dominate, complete with warm baking spices, browned butter, marzipan, and toasted shortbread. A hint of floral and lemon zest lifts the rich tones and brings balance to the aromas. The palette holds a tremendous amount of freshness through Meyer Lemon, pear skin and a hint of honeydew before secondary (and warmer) notes of baking spice and toasted sourdough emerge. The acidity is incredibly vibrant and juicy (the product of such a long and cool ripening season), bringing wet rock and a lovely salinity to the finish.

Winemaker’s Notes

Pale lemon gold in color, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc captures both the salinity of ocean breezes and the bright herbal and floral aromatics of a citrus grove. At first, exotic notes of cut orange blossom, candied pineapple and tangerine emerge from the glass. With time, brioche and apple tart come to the forefront and add lovely complexity to the nose. The palate mimics the nose with a dichotomy of bracing ocean-like minerality and acidity and juicy sweet citrus and baked pastries. A touch of dry extract coats the palette and brings a wet-rock note to the finish. Though lovely on its own, this bottling begs to be paired with food, from creamy risotto and shellfish to spicy Thai dishes where its richness and exotic palate will play well with spice, coconut milk, ginger and lemongrass.

Technical Data:

Production: 120 Cases
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Alcohol: 14.4%
Fermentation and Storage: 80% Stainless, 20% Natural Barrel
pH: 3.30
Titratable Acidity: 5.9