Winemaker Notes
Produced entirely from grapes we cultivate at our Home Ranch in eastern Santa Ynez Valley, our Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc boasts bright citrus, honeydew melon, mineral and subtle herb aromas. On the palate, the wine is rich, mouthwatering and beautifully structured, with vibrant grapefruit, melon and guava flavors culminating in a long, crisp finish invigorated by zesty citrus, spice and mineral tones. Delicious now with a broad range of seafood, poultry and salad dishes, it will develop further nuance with another 1-2 years of bottle age.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Green apples, freshly cut grass and slightly sweet white flowers invite the nose into this bottling, one of the best white wines for the money in the state. A strong grip grabs hold of the palate immediately, demanding attention for the ripe green-pear and tangy citrus flavors, all framed by powerful acidity. Best Buy.
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.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.