Wattle Creek Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc 2007

In March of 1994, a bit of Australia moved to California, and Sonoma County grew even more welcoming and friendlier. An Australian family brought its infectious love of life and exuberance to 56 acres of land just south of the small town of Cloverdale in Alexander Valley. This family, the Williams, also brought with them a zeal and fervor for wine, in particular wines from the Southern Hemisphere.

Led by Christopher and Kristine, the vineyard selection was anything but happenstance. They sought and discovered a piece of land reminiscent of the warm Barossa Valley of the land down under. Here, the perfect union of climate, soil, and geography permit the infusion of the best of Alexander Valley with Australian vitality and heritage of winemaking.

On the heels of the success of their Alexander Valley site, the family added an extraordinary piece of land in Mendocino's Yorkville Highlands. In 2001, under the guidance of a new Aussie winemaker for both estates, Michael Scholz, they released their first Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc. In the next few years the vineyard promises to produce fruit for a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz as well.

This was the inception of Wattle Creek, an American winery that derives its logo and name from the yellow blossom of the Australian Wattle tree and its essence and style from Australia.