I don’t know if any of you have noticed but over the past 5 or so years the standard of Sauvignon Blanc’s coming out of California, and Napa have been impressive, to say the least. Full-bodied wines with wonderful mouthfeels, and exceptional balance that will age out 5 plus years. I recently shared a bottle of Heritance (Napa) 2018 with friends and it was loved by all present.
I will make this comment, the land is expensive in Napa, hence many varietals are being pulled up and replaced with Cabernet Sauvignon which fetches much higher prices per ton. The result will see increased pricing on Sauvignon Blanc’s but they will be worth it.
The Capture Sauvignon Blanc is currently hovering around $55 and is one of the best I have tasted. period.
Here are two recent examples that are great examples, one from Sonoma, and one from Rutherford in the heart of Napa. Both are 2022 and are an excellent vintage.
Matanzas Creek Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2022- Sonoma.
Situated in the beautiful Bennett Valley, the Winery, from the beginning, has been focused on Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot- planting 90 acres of a Petrus Merlot clone in their Jackson Park Vineyard in 1984. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and some ‘Bordeaux style reds’ have also been added. Did I mention they were Sustainable?
Sandra MacIver established Matanzas Creek Winery with Merry Edwards (yes, that Mary Edwards) as the founding winemaker in 1977 producing the first Sauvignon Blanc in 1980. Since then, Dave Ramsey took over as winemaker in 1989 and Marcia Torres-Forno took the reins in 2011.
This Sauvignon Blanc has a splash of Semillon- 2.5% and was sourced from several vineyards including 39% Alexander Valley, 16% Russian River Valley, 15% North Coast, 14% Dry Creek Valley, 11% Knights Valley, and 5% Bennett Valley.
Enticing notes of Jasmine, pineapple, guava, and citrus dominate the nose with hints of tropical fruits filling in the gaps. The palate is inviting, with a nice round mouthfeel with beautiful balance and acidity. Refreshing without being aggressive. Layers of honeydew melon, guava, white peach, citrus-grapefruit, and orange peel dominate with restraint and finesse.
Delicate without being thin. Great length on the finish that makes you want to take another sip. So much going on and a delight to drink.
Drinking beautifully now but could be cellared out to 2027.
Pairings should include Oysters, clams, lobster, crab, prawns, scallops, Sushi, white fish with light-cooking herbs, Salmon, Pesto Pasta, Thai Green Curry, a traditional Greek salad, and Rosemary Chicken.
Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022- Rutherford, Napa.
The Rutherford Farm was established by the McDonald Family in 1978 with a modest holding with 270 acres added in 1986 and another 100 acres in 2001 with vineyards and land added when they became available. 2007 saw Thomas Rivers Brown join the team as Consulting Winemaker with John Wilson coming on board in 2019. The winery has grown over the years in both size, quality wines, and reputation but the focus has always been on its Mission; “Rooted in People, Place, and Purpose”
First fell in love with their Reds about a decade ago from their Kith and Kin Cabernet up to the Louis Bovet Reserve Cabernet. I’ve tried several vintages of the Sav Blanc before and have always enjoyed them, so I was excited to taste the current vintage.
Lovely aromas of floral notes, white peach, and citrus, with subtly spices that will entice you to take a sip. Take a minute and enjoy the aromas before jumping in the deep end.
The palate showcases lively acidity and great balance wrapped in layers of white peach, pink grapefruit, lychee, and cooking herbs. My immediate thought was Pad Thai Chicken with a squeeze of lime, as a pairing. There is a cleanness and focus about this wine that makes me want a second glass. An absolute delight to drink.
Drinking beautifully now but will cellar out till 2027 without a problem.
Pairing should include Oysters, clams, lobster, crab, prawns, scallops, Sushi, white fish with light-cooking herbs, Salmon, Pesto Pasta, Thai Green Curry, a traditional Greek salad, and Rosemary Chicken, and of course Pad Thai Chicken. Similar to the Matanzas Creek Sav Blanc.
Pewsey Vale 1961 Block Riesling 2020- with elegance and finesse!
This is a single vineyard release sourced from their 1961 Block, and, you guessed it, planted in 1961. This block is home to the oldest vines the winery owns, and I suspect the oldest Riesling vines in Clare Valley, given the valley was the site of Riesling plantings 100 years earlier. First released in 2017 this is an impressive wine.
Delightful enticing aromas of freshly squeezed limes and Myer Lemons with just a hint of Orange Blossom.
The palate has a smooth inviting mouthfeel, especially impressive given the level of acidity. Almost seamless layers of limes, Myer lemons, pear, and orange peel with just a hint of honeysuckle and a wet stone quality finishes things out. There is a pristine focus showcasing the exceptional balance, depth, and complexity this wine has to offer.
There is an added dimension to this wine, a change of direction, if you will, from the range of incredible Rieslings Pewsey Vale releases. Watch out for this release in the future, this wine has big potential in the future.
Cellar out to 2035 without a concern.
Pairings recommended by the winery include kingfish sashimi and lime jelly or vegetable spring rolls with Vietnamese herbs.
Vine to Table 