WINE REVIEWS
2018 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
When you discuss Duckhorn Winery, it is likely you will reference the ultra-premium quality across their portfolio of wines. Their labels include Duckhorn, Paraduxx and Goldeneye along with Canvasback, Decoy and Migration. Dan Duckhorn, whose name is synonymous with Merlot, affirmed his place in history with the inaugural release of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1978. Sauvignon Blanc followed in 1982. Winemaker Renee Ary has been honing her skills at Duckhorn for the past 11 years.
The 2018 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc is 15% Semillion and 85% Sauvignon Blanc The Semillion adds some lift and complexity to the overall structure. An abundance of tropical fruits of mango, guava and pineapple that are tapered with a hint of creamy richness and finishing on a bright note. It is long and inviting on the mid-palate. Duckhorn has a knack of always crafting memorable Sauvignon Blanc and this one is not to be missed.
2018 Round Pond
Sauvignon Blanc
Within this Rutherford neighborhood of the elite, brother-sister duo, Miles and Ryan MacDonnell are the second generation of family members who have continued to transcend and elevate Round Pond’s high-end style of wines. Winemaking is under the direction of Thomas Rivers Brown. There are 362-acres of vineyards planted on three distinct alluvial fans along with gardens and olive orchards used to produce artisan foods.
The Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc is a hybrid between a New World and Old World style white. Lemon zest and hint of gooseberry aromas pull you into a succulent layer of white peach and candied citrus flavors. A vein of minerality and lively acidity adds to its charm and personality. It finishes pure and long.
2019 Freemark Abbey
Sauvignon Blanc
The rebirth of this famed Napa winery occurred in 1967 when Chuck Carpy and six partners purchased an old stone winery originally built in 1898. Bestowed the name Freemark Abbey in 1940, this new partnership established a legacy releasing their signature-styled Cabernet Bosche´ in 1970.
This Sauvignon Blanc is the first release under new winemaker Kristy Melton. It is a blend of 86% Sauvignon Blanc and 14% Semillion aged in stainless steel and neutral oak. This is a Sauvignon Blanc on steroids. This wine opens with aromatic white flowers that are framed with ripe poached pears, stone fruits and orange marmalade. Gleaming from front to back with a never-ending mouth-feel. You will remember this style of Sauvignon Blanc for decades. Founder Chuck Carpy would have been proud.
2018 Ladera Sauvignon Blanc
Montana cattle ranchers Pat and Anne Stotesbery purchased a Mount Veeder, Napa mountainside vineyard in 1996. Later they expanded their acreage to Howell Mountain, while restoring an old stone winery. With an emphasis on mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon, they released their first wine in 1998. Composed of Sauvignon Blanc Clone 1 and Sauvignon Musque, this wine has brooding floral aromatics that speak to its intensity. There is ripe tangerine and green tea elements laced with lemon meringue. There is a deep backbone of complexity to this wine that is somewhere between a Napa and New Zealand style. The concentration is supported with finely tuned acidity in the background.
2019 Sosie
Roussanne
This new brand was established in 2017 by husband-and-wife duo, Scott MacFiggen and Regina Bustamante. After extensive travels through France, they embraced an Old World style of winemaking in crafting their small batch wines. “We prefer restraint over ripeness, precision over power, finesse over flamboyance.“ This distinctive Northern Rhone-styled Roussanne has a vibrant yellow color with a mouth-filling entry. In between layers of dried apricot and almond almond paste is a tinge of stony minerality. This wine is focused and long on the palate.
2018 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc
Attorney Fred Furth, born in Harvey, Illinois purchased an undeveloped plot of land within Russian River Valley in 1972. He established his reputation in crafting award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The 1,300-acre estate is now owned by vintner Bill Foley of Foley Family Wines. This elegant 100% Sauvignon Blanc opens with a very pale color and a subtle bouquet of pink grapefruit and honeydew. Everything is built around a plush core of caramelized orange zest and passion fruit that come together in a nicely balanced package. It has plenty of finesse and is instantly appealing.