Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I have said before that Bevan’s Sauvignon Blanc from the Dry Stack Vineyard in Bennett Valley is one of California’s finest examples of this Italian clone of Sauvignon Blanc that is planted in these gravelly, loamy soils. His 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Stack Vyd may be his best to date, simply because yields were lower, and there is even more concentration. This wine is aged half and half in stainless steel and the rest in François Frères Burgundy barrels. It is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and the wine has a spectacular bouquet of caramelized citrus, honeysuckle, orange blossom and brioche. It is amazingly rich and dense, with the texture of a great grand cru white Burgundy or top California Chardonnay. At $32.00, it might be somewhat expensive for a Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s a steal in terms of being a great wine at this price point. This is his best yet, and I’ve been buying it every year since I discovered it. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
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.