Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This crisp, bracing wine blends modest fruit flavors with appealing savory, mineral notes that are subtle and fascinating. Its complexity, medium body and great acidity make a winning combination.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: For nearly a decade, Vigilance has been one of my first choice producers when I am looking for Sauvignon Blanc. The 2018 vintage speaks volumes for the Red Hills - Lake County AVA. TASTING NOTES: This is a lovely effort with excellent typicity of the grape variety. Its aromas and flavors of ripe melon and dried leaves invite a pairing with stir-fried cod accented with chili flakes. (Tasted: May 30, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.