Winemaker Notes
This Sauvignon Blanc bottling was produced from grapes grown at Mesa Verde Vineyard (within the Los Olivos District) which is less than 5 miles south of the estate vineyard. They have been working with this vineyard and making a vineyard designate since 2005. The deliciously textured palate shows hints of quince and lemongrass.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Mesa Verde Vineyard comes all from the Los Olivos District and was brought up all in stainless steel. Its light gold hue is followed by more savory notes of white currants, grapefruit, and sappy flowers. With good acidity, medium-bodied richness, and a distinct sense of minerality, it reminds me of a top Bordeaux Blanc. It should drink nicely for a handful of 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.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.