Winemaker Notes
The tasting notes are meant to invoke scent memories. Wrap around porch. Tire swing. Tree trimming on a kefir orchard. Liquid metal. Electrical storm.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Fragment is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs I've tasted in 2018, and it's especially impressive for its price point. It aged in 33% stainless steel, 25% once-used French oak, 20% acacia, 15% concrete and 7% neutral oak and contains a touch of Sémillon. It has aromas of beeswax, white pepper, green herbs and spices with a core of perfumed white peaches and accents of elderflower. Medium-bodied, it's silky and expansive with elegantly layered, spicy fruits and a refreshing burst of juiciness to drive the long finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Vailia From, Winemaker/Owner of Desparada, is an indescribable talent. She is a rebel making wines in her way without the worries of the marketing world. The 2018 Desparada Fragment Sauvignon Blanc is a remarkable wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine does not adhere to conventional standards. Perhaps that is why this wine is so delicious. Its aromas and flavors include earth, dust, savory spices, and fresh citrus. Pair it with a mildly-spiced Hunan mix of bamboo shoots, chestnuts, and red pepper flakes. (Tasted: May 21, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.