Winemaker Notes
This wine exhibits bright acidity, moderate alcohol, and remarkable depth of flavor, with the round, honeyed notes of Semillon complementing the citrus, mineral, and sharper tones of Sauvignon Blanc, while barrel fermentation and aging create a harmonious, graceful wine that is suited for the table and has the potential to age for many years.
Blend: 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Packs a fresh, mouthwatering core of preserved lemon, Honeycrisp apple and orange blossom elements, with notes of grapefruit, fresh ginger and white pepper lingering alongside hints of beeswax and sea salt on the finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
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Wine Enthusiast
Deep, potent grapefruit and pineapple flavors give this lively wine a robust, assertive expression backed by snappy acidity to counter a rather full body. It's as if a splash of Riesling was added, lending spice and floral accents. But, in fact, it's a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon.
Sometimes light and crisp, other times rich and creamy, Bordeaux White Blends typically consist of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Often, a small amount of Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris is included for added intrigue. Popularized in Bordeaux, the blend is often mimicked throughout the New World. Somm Secret—Sauternes and Barsac are usually reserved for dessert, but they can be served before, during or after a meal. Try these sweet wines as an aperitif with jamón ibérico, oysters with a spicy mignonette or during dinner alongside hearty Alsatian sausage.
A Sonoma sub-appellation whose boundaries cover the northeastern corner of the Russian River Valley AVA, the Chalk Hill growing area is named after its unique chalky and white, volcanic ash soils. This terrain has proven successful with white varieties, namely Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc.