Winemaker Notes
The striking array of intricate tropical flavors and the stunning bouquet of floral aromatics in the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc demonstrates a decadent expression of the varietal. This custom barrel-fermentation, adapted from winemaker Jesse Katz’s experience at Haut-Brion in Bordeaux, creates distinct richness on the palate that is balanced by the varietal’s quintessential bright, natural acidity.
Blend: 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Sémillon
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Stack Vineyard is blended with 4% Sémillon in the style of a Bordeaux Blanc and has extraordinary appeal this year. It opens with classic notes of gunflint and smoke that flesh out to a peachy core accented by notes of beeswax, lychee, floral perfume and ripe citrus. The palate is dynamic, medium-bodied and textured but bursting with ripe, mineral-laced fruits, buzzing with bright acidity and finishing long and addicting. I find it hard to resist drinking this immediately, although it could age well in bottle.
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Wine Enthusiast
Balanced between crisp and complex tropical fruit, citrus and dried herb, this barrel fermented white is well-defined on the palate. While deft in approach, it still has weight and breadth as well as a lingering spice note on the finish.
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.