Wattle Creek Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc 2003
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2006-
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Led by Christopher and Kristine, the vineyard selection was anything but happenstance. They sought and discovered a piece of land reminiscent of the warm Barossa Valley of the land down under. Here, the perfect union of climate, soil, and geography permit the infusion of the best of Alexander Valley with Australian vitality and heritage of winemaking.
On the heels of the success of their Alexander Valley site, the family added an extraordinary piece of land in Mendocino's Yorkville Highlands. In 2001, under the guidance of a new Aussie winemaker for both estates, Michael Scholz, they released their first Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc. In the next few years the vineyard promises to produce fruit for a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz as well.
This was the inception of Wattle Creek, an American winery that derives its logo and name from the yellow blossom of the Australian Wattle tree and its essence and style from Australia.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.