Winemaker Notes
At elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,000 feet and located at the base of Mount Konocti, once an active volcano, the Red Hills AVA features rolling hills, red volcanic soils, and a lake effect breeze from Clear Lake, one of North America’s oldest natural lakes.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Smooth and flavorful, this wine has plenty of pear and light herb aromas. Light spice, mineral and melon flavors offer a good sense of layering on the palate, all leading to a generous mouthfeel and lingering finish.
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.
Located within the greater Clear Lake appellation, the Red Hills AVA is perhaps the hottest spot right now in Lake County for new Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. Recognizing the potential of its volcanic and obsidian heavy soils, many respected growers are flocking to the area. Andy Beckstoffer, a leader in escalating the quality and recognition of Napa Valley, has already invested heavily in the area.