Winemaker Notes
The custom barrel-fermentation, adapted from winemaker Jesse Katz’s experience at Haut Brion in Bordeaux, creates a distinct complexity and rich weight on the palate for the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, that is balanced by the brightly lifted acidity and an enveloping bouquet of tropical fruits and fresh citrus. The precise blend of sémillon adds a hint of minerality, rich lemon notes, and a beautifully polished texture.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This barrel-fermented white is sleek and textured, with underlying freshness and shocks of dried herb and spice. Apple skin, pear and a touch of melon combine with ease around supple freshness. It is blended with 2% Sémillon.
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Wine Spectator
This white is full of intensity, with chive blossom, melon, tangerine, mango and lemon verbena flavors that show notes of green tea and preserved lemon on the long, complex finish.
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James Suckling
Chamomile, dried lemon, grilled herbs and toasted hazelnuts on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity and firm, spiced layers. Creamy and toasty expression.
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.
With boundaries overlapping the Sonoma Coast AVA and Sonoma Mountain AVA, Bennett Valley benefits from the cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean just like its neighbors. Top grapes planted include Barbera, Pinot noir and Chardonnay, as well as Bordeaux and Rhone varieties.