Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Natoma Sauvignon Blanc, is made from grapes grown at the 45 year old Chatom Vineyard in Calaveras County. This Clone One site (the original Bordeaux selection in California from Chateau Yquem) is spectacular. It has exotic Sauvignon Blanc complexity along the lines of white Bordeaux, with crisp acidity. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and therefore retains its delicious flintiness. The complex and exotic fruit flavors suggest among other things: key lime, casaba melon, and papaya. The extended lees aging and battonage enhances the mouth feel. The wine finishes with stony granite notes. It has neither the excessive herbaceousness of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc nor the creamy richness of some California Sauvignon Blancs that lean towards a Chardonnay profile.
It is the perfect foil for all seafood, and absolutely satisfying as an aperitif.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Golden apples and honeydew melon on the nose with rich, broad and ripe fruit flavors on the palate. An almost viscous texture and mouth-filling quality.
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Wine Enthusiast
This supple wine is lush with green apple, white grapefruit, Key lime, cumin, lemon curd, five-spice powder and dried herbs. It is medium weight on the midpalate, with the acidity creating a fuller, more robust wine. The finish is super long and tasty. Enjoy now with your favorite dish.
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.
Originally a source of oenological sustenance for gold-seeking miners of the mid-1800s, the Sierra Foothills was the first region in California to produce wines from European grape varieties. Located between Sacramento and the Nevada border, this area’s immigrant settlers chose to forgo growing the then-ubiquitous Mission grape and instead brought with them superior vines from the Old World to plant alongside mining camps.
Zinfandel has been the most important variety of this region since its inception, taking on a spicy character with brambly fruit and firm structure. Amador and El Dorado counties, benefiting from the presence of volcanic and granite soils, are home to the best examples. Bold, robust Rhône Blends and Barbera are also important regional specialties.