Winemaker Notes
This 2018 vintage of Sauvignon Blanc marks the second 100% Ballard Canyon Estate Sauvignon Blanc. After arriving at the winery in the early morning, the grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed, and then cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the crispness and varietal characteristics.
This beautifully dry white wine is gifted with bright fruit aromas, suggesting both white nectarine and passionfruit. These merge with flavors of caramelized pineapple and jasmine blossom, underscored by a hint of slate, with a finish on the palate that is both full and fresh.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Loads of wet stone and chalk make for a mineral-driven entry to this wine and then come waves of lime pith and white flower on the nose. The sip is tightly woven, offering flavors of grapefruit, more lime and that same chalky, grippy mineral-touched tension.
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.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.