Winemaker Notes
Margerum D is an exploration of what can be achieved with barrel fermentation of great quality Sauvignon Blanc. The high mineral (low nutrient) soils of the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara automatically put these wines into a special category. Reductive winemaking, with battonage, gives the wine a mineral quality, a textured palate and an ability to age for ten to twenty years.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 100% Sauvignon Blanc and aged seven months in 265-liter Ermitage barrels with 25% new oak, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc D displays a very light gold color and offers exotic citrus, dried herb, and crushed stone aromatics. Medium to light-bodied, it's juicy and fresh, with clean, integrated acidity and a great finish that makes for a classy, impressive Sauvignon Blanc. It's delicious today yet will no doubt keep for a decade if well stored. Drink 2025-2035.
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Tasting Panel
A blend of Vogelzang, Jack McGinley and Happy Canyon Vineyard, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc D is 100% barrel-aged with bâtonnage. Screaming acids really lift the substantial oaky roundness. It's a style that works so well. Pineapple, cream, pastry notes, toasted spices and fresh summer peach tones meld together in an engaging, texturally supple package. This is a winner.
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Vinous
A blend of Vogelzang, Jack McGinley and Happy Canyon Vineyard, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc D is 100% barrel-aged with bâtonnage. Screaming acids really lift the substantial oaky roundness. It's a style that works so well. Pineapple, cream, pastry notes, toasted spices and fresh summer peach tones meld together in an engaging, texturally supple package. This is a winner.
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.