Winemaker Notes
Eleven Sauvignon Blanc was grown in the legendary Dry Creek Valley, a small AVA made of gravel and sandy loam soils characterized by warm breezes, rich alluvium, and well-drained visually stunning rocky red soils. The warm days and cool evenings mature the grapes early in the season, and the long sunny afternoons enhance development of flavors in both the citrus and tropical fruit spectrums.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Cannonball Eleven Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits energized aromas and flavors of mineral and dried citrus. Pair it with lightly smoked oysters and crusted bread. (Tasted: May 27, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Starting off with an inviting stone fruit tone, this wine is cohesive and balanced in style. Approachable and likable, it delivers lively acidity and floral accents that work well with the fruit richness.
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.