Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
One of the biggest surprises on my tasting scorecard, the 2014 Clos Du Val Sauvignon Blanc showed up big-time on my daily tasting set! The wine exhibited a tremendous combination of ripe fruit and light creamy notes. In the finish, it was satisfying and well-structured. I have been a longtime fan of the winery's red wines, and now I am adding their white wines to my must buy list. Drinking very well now. (Best Served: 2016-2018) Produced & Bottled by: Clos Du Val Wine Co., Ltd., Napa, CA (Tasted: June 30, 2016, San Francisco, CA USA)
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.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.