Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc D brings a much more serious, complex style. Ripe citrus, stone fruits, orange blossom, and savory, almost nutty nuances all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a concentrated, layered mouthfeel and a great finish. It's more geared for the dinner table and is a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc that should evolve for at least 7-8 years.
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Wine Spectator
With plenty of citrus and a distinct accent of crushed rock minerality, there's oomph to the fresh lemon, tangerine and pomelo notes. Offers a touch of dried pineapple and mango alongside a whiff of litsea oil on the finish. Drink now. 273 cases made.
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Wine Enthusiast
There’s a very subtle approach to this reserve-style blend from the McGinley, Grassini and Vogelzang vineyards, starting with light lime zest, grapefruit peel and light cement aromas on the nose. The palate pairs richer flavors of peach with wild, tart citrus lines.
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.
On the eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley, the rolling hills of the tiny Happy Canyon AVA produce top quality reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and whites from Sauvignon blanc. The region’s low-nutrient soil grows smaller vines and in turn, higher quality wine grapes.