Winemaker Notes
Vibrant aromas of guava, pineapple, and passion fruit continue onto the palate and are joined by waves of honeydew melon, tangerine, and lychee flavors. The mid-palate shows a lively acidity and soft floral notes leading to a pleasingly persistent finish.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
According to the producer, “eleven” signifies a quest for distinction and is considered a “Master Number.” We found this masterful white to be one of the best Sauv Blancs we’ve tasted this year. By using small vineyard parcels and working with attentive viticulturists, this winery has crafted a wine that spoke to us of sunshine, rocky-red soil, and exceptional fruit. Aromas of marshmallow, chamomile, lychee, and pineapple stun, while hints of key lime pie create a sensuousness that works well with grassy notes followed by just-ripe peach and mango. Tinges of sunflower linger on the tongue through the finish. This wine is primarily fermented in stainless steel with a small portion fermented in French oak.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a fruity white that is balanced by buoyant acidity. Fermented mostly in stainless steel, it offers defined flavors of lemon, melon and lime.
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.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.