Winemaker Notes
#31 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2019Immediately deep, complex, and layered with a dominant citrus focus when the wine is first opened. White grapefruit, Key Lime, and a more subtle lemon meringue character all vie for attention. Subtle, yet classic, varietal grassiness emerges along with nuances of vanilla, woodsy spice, and creamy yeastiness. The palate is round and smooth, with viscosity counterpointed by refreshing, totally natural acidity. There is a seamless quality to this wine, where proportion and balance just flow from beginning to end.
Blend: 88% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Semillon
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A complex note of dried honeysuckle and a whiff of smoke add intrigue and depth to the core of succulent peach, melon and mango flavors, set on a medium body, with a fresh frame. Shows wonderful purity of fruit and nuances that linger effortlessly.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Alder Grove is scented of gooseberry, kiwi, cut grass and yellow peach with touches of slate and white flowers. Light to medium-bodied, it has a nicely rounded texture with zesty acidity and a long, flavorful finish. 1,370 cases produced.
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.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.