Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
An excellent example of a top-notch Los Olivos District Sauvignon Blanc, the 2016 Brander is expressive in its aromas and flavors of citrus peel, dried herbs, and savory earth. The wine's richness and crisp finish pair it well with grilled oysters. (Tasted: October 2, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
When the slightly reductive and rubbery funk blows off about 10 minutes after opening this appellation blend, then come great aromas of rounded red apple, cut grass and wet rocks. There is a solid boost of acidity to the tip of the sip and a tantalizing structure, with flavors of Granny Smith apple and lime rinds. This is a full-bodied, even aggressive Sauv Blanc.
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.
Today it is an integral part of the greater Santa Barbara County wine region, but at one time the village, Los Olivos, was a stop on the Wells Fargo stagecoach line.