California Sauvignon Blanc 2014
 

California Sauvignon Blanc - 2014

Evolving as more than just a “backyard sipping wine”, California’s Sauvignon Blanc features an outstanding pedigree with vines originally from the cuttings of Bordeaux’s famed Chateau d’Yquem, planted in the Livermore Valley south of San Francisco in the 1880s. However, a number of the vines were subsequently planted in areas inappropriate for the optimal aesthetics of this varietal, producing more than a few wines that were too vegetal in bouquet and lacking in acidity, making them poor matches for food. The situation was so out of hand in the 1950s and early 1960s, that in 1968 in an attempt to enhance the reputation of the varietal in America with some European cachet, Robert Mondavi renamed his bottling as “Fumé Blanc”. Others followed this path but most continue to label the wine as “Sauvignon Blanc”, without any real difference between the products. Also, fortunately a number of innovative producers upgraded their standards as regards to the wine – with more careful location of vines, better harvesting, fermentation and aging techniques – so that the wine is now not just an afterthought to Chardonnay, but a preferable choice for a number of consumers, especially when matched with seafare.

Today's Sauvignon Blanc from California offers a number of styles – some fermented and aged in stainless steel, some in oak; with a range of bouquets and tastes from grassy to citrus and melon to herbal and oaky, some totally dry and others with a touch of sweetness, especially in the finish. Moreover, vintage seems to be less important than vineyard location and what’s done with the harvest (e.g. time and method of picking, etc.) and vinification process (e.g. fermentation and aging containers and techniques). In addition to pairing with seafood, Sauvignon Blanc goes great with grilled vegetables, mild cheeses, chicken and veal dishes, and pasta with white sauces.

 

The Fifty Best California Sauvignon Blanc Tasting of 2014

 

The Tasting:
The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 32 recent release California Sauvignon Blancs with 15 pre-qualified wine judges. Strict tasting rules were applied. The order of service for each vintage group was established beforehand by lottery. Each of the wines were poured into fresh wine glasses from new sealed bottles, and served well chilled. Only ice water and white bread were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each wine on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the best. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded based on a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no bronze medals awarded for this tasting.

The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The appelations are identified for each brand. Prices indicated do not include tax.

 

Here are the final results:



Grgich Hills Estate 2012 Fume Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc



DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:

Grgich Hills Estate
2012 Fume Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown

(Napa Valley) $30

Grapes for this wine are from American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, with fermentation using naturally-occurring yeasts in large French oak casks (80%) and previously-used small French oak barrels (20%). Aging on its lees is for six months in neutral barrels.

Aroma: Apricot, peach, ripe melon, guava, pear, orange, pineapple, pink grapefruit, yellow bell pepper, oak.
Palate: Grapefruit, apple, melon, citrus, lemon grass, pepper, grassy, chewy, bold, great acidity & minerality, well balanced.
Finish: Hint of grapefruit, lemon pie, passion fruit, strawberry, spice, tart, dry, crisp, well done, beautiful.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Brander
2013 Valley Sauvignon Blanc

(Santa Ynez Valley) $32

Using 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes sourced from the Brander estate, this wine is fermented in stainless steel, with 24 hours of skin contact for additional depth, and aged entirely in stainless steel. Only 306 cases of this wine were produced.

Aroma: Melon, pear, gooseberry, lemon, citrus, floral, pepper, earthy, oak, sexy.
Palate: Apple, pineapple, peach, pear, star fruit, pink grapefruit, lemon, citrus, oak.
Finish: Fresh green apple, soft, smooth, gentle, great.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Brander Sauvignon Blanc



Clendenen Sauvignon Blanc Stallion Vineyard



Clendenen Family Vintners
2012 Sauvignon Blanc Stallion Vineyard

(Santa Ynez Valley) $16

Produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the eastern part of Santa Ynez Valley. The wine was fermented in large, new Hungarian oak barrels and aged ten months in new barrels.

Aroma: Light, fruity, melon, pear, citrus, butterscotch, brown caramel, cream, buttery, vanilla, sweet red bell pepper, subtle wood, oak.
Palate: Apple, orange, big fruit, buttered toast, cream, banana leaves, oak, mineral, crisp, balanced, elegant.
Finish: Granny Smith apple, citrus, tart, sweet brown caramel, vanilla, soft, dry, clean, crisp, pleasing.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Darioush
2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Sage Vineyard

(Napa Valley) $45

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown atop Mt. Veeder in a vineyard receiving consistent, moderate amounts of sun and influenced by San Pablo Bay breezes, this wine was aged six months in stainless steel (80%) and French oak (20%), with less than 500 cases produced.

Aroma: Grassy, fruity, citrus, vanilla, creamy, herbs, floral, soft oak, wood barrel, slightly smoky, elegant.
Palate: Apple, green apple, pear, peach, tropical fruit, cherry, fruity, calvados. red pepper, sweet pepper, green pepper, jalapeño, spicy, oak, well balanced, refined, a lot of finesse, perfect for food pairing.
Finish: Lemon, zest, grapefruit, apple, basil, light spice, allspice, dry, clean, lingering.


Double-Gold Medal
Double-Gold medal



Darioush 2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Sage Vineyard



Six Sigma Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Asbill Valley





Six Sigma
Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Asbill Valley

(Lake County) $18

Grapes for this wine are 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on a 12-acre plot (Michael’s Vineyard) at the entrance to the winery property with fermentation and aging in stainless steel (95%) and French oak (5%).

Aroma: Honeydew, pear, peach, guava, tropical fruit, peppery, grassy, herbal.
Palate: Melon, pears, apricot, citrus, tropical fruit, grassy, slight bell pepper, tarragon, Old World. assertive.
Finish: Passion fruit, peach, sweet citrus, toast, hay, spicy, nice, delicate, crisp, dry.


Double-Gold Medal
Double-Gold medal





Modus Operandi
2012 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $33

Only ten barrels were made of this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine with grapes organically grown in Rutherford, which were barrel fermented.

Aroma: Pear, pineapple, apricot, lime rind, herbal, earthy, grassy, oak.
Palate: Honeydew, melon, apple, pear, apricot, nutmeg, earthy, oak, smoke, complex.
Finish: Lemon, tart. oats, buttery, creamy, oak.


Double-Gold Medal
Double-Gold medal



Modus Operandi Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc



Deerfield Ranch Sauvignon Blanc Peterson Vineyard



GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:


Deerfield Ranch
2013 Sauvignon Blanc Peterson Vineyard

(Sonoma) $24

Grapes for this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine (fermented and aged in stainless steel) are from a vineyard in Kenwood that has a microclimate that makes its warmer than other vineyards in the region, adding a degree of ripeness to the fruit.

Aroma: Apricot, pineapple, peach, star fruit, lemon, orange, grapefruit, citrus, honeysuckle, pecan pie, bell pepper, jalapeño, nutmeg, straw.
Palate: Grapefruit, apple, green apple, melon, lemon, citrus, unsweetened pineapple, apricot, green bell pepper, buttery, fruit forward, soft, balanced, wonderful.
Finish: Apple, orange, waffles, soft, tart, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Ousterhout
2013 Sauvignon Blanc Redwood Ranch

(Alexander Valley, Sonoma) $22

Sourced from vines from which the Sauvignon Blanc grapes tend to accumulate sugar slowly, the fruit was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and aged in stainless steel (80%) and new French oak (20%).

Aroma: Apple, green apple cider, lime, fruity, honey, vanilla, cream, ginger, mineral, charred oak.
Palate: Pear, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, golden cherry, apricot, white peach, gooseberry, vanilla, allspice.
Finish: Apple, green apple, fruity, floral, tart, nice.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Ousterhout 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Redwood Ranch



Napa Cellars 2013 Sauvignon Blanc



Napa Cellars
2013 Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $14

Grapes for this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine were sourced from vineyards in warmer areas of Napa Valley, with fermentation in sainless steel.

Aroma: Apricot, grapefruit, citrus, guava, hint of banana, tropical fruit, vanilla, slate.
Palate: Apricot, pear, peach, red apple, melon, grapefruit, tropical fruit, pineapple, passion fruit, mango, green pepper, wood, mineral notes, nice acidity, lovely smoothness.
Finish: Honey, grapefruit, tropical fruit, green grass, tannic, tart, soft, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Trinchero Napa Valley
2013 Mary’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

(Calistoga/Napa) $20

Fermented entirely in stainless steel, the grapes for this wine hail from the relatively warm climate of Mary’s Vineyard in northern Napa Valley.

Aroma: Grass, melon, pear, kiwi, star fruit, orange, toasty notes, cereal, white pepper, lovely.
Palate: Green apple, pear, white grape, lemon, citrus, floral, green bell pepper, spice, mineral, Old World style, sancerre-like, oaky, woody, elegant, balanced, very smooth.
Finish: Lemon, grapefruit, light vanilla, green pepper, allspice, soft, dry, classic.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Trinchero Napa Valley Mary’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc



Murietta's Well Los Tesoros Sauvignon Blanc



Murietta's Well
Los Tesoros 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

(Livermore Valley) $35

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in vineyards with well-drained gravelly soil that have fog and cooling breezes from San Francisco Bay, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged on its lees.

Aroma: Apricot, apple, pear, lemon meringue pie, sweet cream, hint of honeycomb, grassy, flint, mineral.
Palate: Pear, melon, grapefruit, papaya, apple, peach, nectarine, citrus, mint, herbal, tart, mineral, oak, nice, delicate.
Finish: Grapefruit, lemon creme, citrus, sour apple, floral, oak, gentle, dry, crisp.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Sonoma-Loeb
2013 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

(Sonoma) $27

For this wine Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Soda Rock Vineyard (Alexander Valley) and Chalk Ridge (Russian River Valley) were fermented in neutral oak barrels (78%) and stainless steel (22%).

Aroma: Green apple, golden apple, lemon, citrus, gooseberry, tart.
Palate: Green apple, grapefruit, honeydew, melon, lemon, citrus, green pepper, eucalyptus, rich, tart, light smoke, touch of wood, New World, balanced, full bodied.
Finish: Honey, gooseberry, slightly woody, nutty, rich, soft, gentle, dry.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Sonoma-Loeb Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley



William Hill Estates North Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2013



William Hill Estates
North Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2013

(Napa Valley) $15

This wine is produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on Laguna Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley and a small amount of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal from the Lodi Region.

Aroma: Pear, passion fruit, apricot, papaya, mango, tropical fruit, lime, citrus, sweet yellow bell pepper, honey, mineral, tart, round.
Palate: Currants, cherries, citrus fruit, licorice, earthy, oak.
Finish: Honeysuckle, grapefruit, citrus, spicy, tart, gentle.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Markham Vineyards
Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Napa Valley

(Napa Valley) $13

Made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (96%) and Semillon (4%), fermentation is in stainless steel with aging for 3-4 months in oak.

Aroma: Green apple, lemon, pineapple, slight herb, toast, earthy, barrel.
Palate: Pear, melon, pink grapefruit, white grape, peach, honey, caramel, creamy, toast, tart, green tea, woody, New World.
Finish: Spice, green grass, woody, soft.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley



Flora Springs Soliloquy Vineyard



Flora Springs
Soliloquy Vineyard 2013

(Oakville, Napa Valley) $25

This wine is produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown in Oakville, with fermentation and aging (7 months) in a combination of concrete and stainless steel tanks, oak barrels and stainless steel drums.

Aroma: Grassy, pear, white peach, pineapple, melon, oak, slate.
Palate: Green apple, pear, melon, red grapefruit, tropical fruits, gooseberry, grassy, vanilla, creamy, jalapeño, peppery, oak, balanced, nice, pleasant, elegant.
Finish: Grapefruit, tart, crisp, dry, soft, gentle.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Stephen Vincent
Lake County 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

(Lake County) $13

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from vineyards near Lake Mendocino, the wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Aroma: Apple, pear, honey comb, honeysuckle, chocolate truffle, floral, grassy, toasted oats, woody.
Palate: Pear, apple, apricot, orange, citrus, nutmeg, toast, well balanced.
Finish: White peach, honey, cinnamon, soft.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Stephen Vincent Lake County 2013 Sauvignon Blanc



Tudal Family Estate Carpenter Ranch Sauvignon Blanc



Tudal Family Estate
2013 Carpenter Ranch Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $28

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the St. Helena sub-appellation of Napa Valley, this wine was allowed long fermentation (21 days) and aged nine months in neutral French oak.

Aroma: Grassy, citrus, orange, star fruit, light lychee, vanilla, wild flowers, sauternes-like, pepper, mineral.
Palate: Melon, green grapes, peach. kiwi, apricot, tropical fruit, plantain, creamy, pine, oak, smooth, elegant.
Finish: Hint of green apple, orange, peppery, soft, dry, fresh, clean.

Gold Medal
Gold medal





Eric Kent
2013 Cuvée Renee Sauvignon Blanc

(Sonoma) $28

With only 449 cases produced, grapes for this wine are from Dry Stack vineyard in Bennett Valley and Fallenleaf Vineyard on the eastern side of Sonoma Mountain.

Aroma: Pear, melon, passion fruit, spicy fruit, green pepper, red bell pepper, floral, mint, caramel, smoke.
Palate: Apple, pear, melon, papaya, tropical fruit, lemon, citrus, pepper, creamy, smoky, silky, oak, smooth, balanced.
Finish: Apple, orange, orange peel, spice, wood barrel, rich, soft, gentle.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Eric Kent Cuvée Renee Sauvignon Blanc



Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc



Cakebread Cellars
2013 Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $25

Harvested at night to preserve flavor and acidity the grapes were fermented in stainless steel (82%) and older French oak (18%) and then aged five months in neutral French oak.

Aroma: Pear, green apple, citrus, grapefruit, star fruit, fruity, mineral, straw, hay, toast.
Palate: Citrus, lime, grapefruit, tangerine, passion fruit, apple, pear, fruity, honey, cinnamon, floral, herbs, grass, well integrated.
Finish: Honey, green apple, lime, hot banana pepper, spice, dry, crisp, soft.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Hanna
2013 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

(Sonoma) $16

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the winery’s four Sonoma Valley vineyards, this wine is fermented in stainless steel and also aged in stainless steel on its lees (used yeast).

Aroma: Apricot, mango, jalapeño, herbaceous.
Palate: Melon, grapefruit, citrus, gooseberry, passion fruit, pear, apricot, orange, pineapple, mango, creamy, jalapeño, tangy.
Finish: Lemon, kiwi, orange, Vienna fingers.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Hanna Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley



Bluxome Street Winery Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley



Bluxome Street Winery
2012 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

(San Francisco) $23

From grapes grown in the Rio Linda, Restoli and LaRochelle vineyards in Russian River Valley, this wine is fermented and aged in neutral oak.

Aroma: Kiwi, apple, pear, citrus, pineapple, orange, vanilla, grassy, limestone, toasted oak, wood.
Palate: Pear, peach, apple, citrus, honey, creamy, bell pepper, green pepper, tart, toast, lovely wood.
Finish: Green apple, creamy, oak, tart, soft.

Gold Medal
Gold medal





Worthy Five Clones
2010 Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $19

Produced from five clones of Sauvignon Blanc found in a single vineyard in Yountville, this wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel barrels.

Aroma: Green apple, apricot, peach, melon, citrus, lime, lemon, hint of grapefruit, jalapeño.
Palate: Green apple, lemon, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, slightly tart, white pepper, bright, balanced fruit, round, delicate.
Finish: Grapefruit, soft, dry, mouth-watering.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Worthy Five Clones Sauvignon Blanc



Heitz Cellar Sauvignon Blanc





Heitz Cellar
2013 Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $18

The grapes used to make this wine are 100% certified-organic Sauvignon Blanc from the lower elevations of the winery’s Napa Valley Ink Grade Vineyard.

Aroma: Apricot, lemon, pear, peach, white peach, golden apple, white grape, kiwi, citrus.
Palate: Ripe grapefruit, pear, lemon, lemon peel, white peach, apricot, mango, orange, herbal, smoky, peaty, vibrant.
Finish: Lemon, apple, tart, soft, gentle, mellow, enjoyable.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Cultivar
2013 Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $20

Grapes for this 100% Sauvignon Blanc come from two vineyards in St. Helena and a third in Napa, with the wine produced by stainless steel fermentation.

Aroma: Apple, lemon, dried pineapple, grassy, vanilla, cinnamon, toasted Graham cracker.
Palate: Apricot, pear, grapefruit, citrus, lime, melon, kiwi, tropical fruit, light cherry, toast, pepper, some oak.
Finish: Apple, melon, grapefruit, star fruit, tart, semi-dry.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Cultivar Sauvignon Blanc



Shannon Ridge Sauvignon Blanc High Elevation Collection



Shannon Ridge
2013 Sauvignon Blanc High Elevation Collection

(Lake County) $19

Sourced from picturesque mountain vineyards overlooking Clear Lake, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes (100%) were fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Aroma: Grapefruit, citrus, star fruit, apricot, passion fruit, mango, guava, tropical fruit, biscuits, new mown hay, oak.
Palate: Grapefruit, apricot, pineapple, melon, star fruit, lemon, lime, herbaceous, anise, fruit forward.
Finish: Apricot, star fruit, lime, spicy, dry, crisp.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Oak Grove
Family Reserve 2013 California Sauvignon Blanc

(California) $8

Grapes for this wine hail from select Coastal Vineyards with fermentation in stainless steel and some barrel aging prior to release.

Aroma: Green apple, peach. citrus, grapefruit, floral, crisp.
Palate: Melon, grapefruit, apple, pear, white peach, pineapple, mango, lemongrass, tart, New World.
Finish: Mango, pineapple, tart, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Oak Grove Family Reserve California Sauvignon Blanc



Angeline Winery Russian River Sauvignon Blanc



SILVER MEDAL WINNERS:

Angeline Winery
2013 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc

(Sonoma) $16

The fruit for this wine comes from Russian River Valley - known for cool daytime temperatures and morning and evening fog. Fermentation was in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and the wine was aged without any use of oak.

Aroma: Pear, apricot, orange, subtle citrus, passion fruit, fruit cake, floral.
Palate: Melon, honeydew, apple, white grape, apricot, pear, orange, peach crisp, pineapple notes, honey.
Finish: Fruity, grape essense, vanilla, spice, tart, smooth.

Silver Medal
Silver medal



Bon Marché
2013 Sauvignon Blanc

(Napa Valley) $15

Grapes for this wine were sourced from Lodi and fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Aroma: Green apple, honeydew, peach, star fruit,, lemon, citrus, grassy, floral, fresh bread.
Palate: Apple, white peach, peach, pear, apricot, tropical fruit, kiwi, pineapple, melon, hint of spice, well balanced.
Finish: Honey, white, peach, honeydew, fruity, creamy, tart, soft, smooth.

Silver Medal
Silver medal



Bon Marché Sauvignon Blanc



Wente Family Estates Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc



Wente Family Estates
2013 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc

(Livermore Valley) $16

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in southern Livermore Valley, this wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Aroma: Apple, pear, gooseberry, lemon, lime, citrus, kiwi, peach, mango, guava, grassy, floral.
Palate: Pear, star fruit, cantaloupe, citrus, apple, orange, grapefruit, green grass, minty, tart.
Finish: Orange, gentle, lingering.

Silver Medal
Silver medal



Halleck Vineyard
2013 Little Sister

(Russian River Valley, Sonoma) $35

Grapes for this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine are from the Sebastopol area, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks (80%) and neutral oak barrels (20%).

Aroma: Apple, green apple, apricot, gooseberry, star fruit, subtle lemon, lime, grapefruit, citrus, floral, slate, elegant.
Palate: Apple, grapefruit, lemon, citrus, kiwi, pineapple, pear, white peach, cherry, stone, mineral, lovely.
Finish: Peach, pineapple, spice, soft, nice.

Silver Medal
Silver medal



Halleck Vineyard Little Sister



Armida Winery RRV Sauvignon Blanc



Armida Winery
2013 RRV Sauvignon Blanc

(Sonoma) $20

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes (50% Sauvignon Musque Clone) were sourced from estate vineyards in Russian River Valley, with cold fermentation to complete dryness and four months of aging in stainless steel.

Aroma: Apple, green apple, pineapple, pear, star fruit, grapefruit, green banana, asparagus, herbs, straw, slate, mineral.
Palate: Green apple, lemon, citrus, grapefruit, melon, passion fruit, light pineapple, zest, white pepper, touch of pepper, light spice, tart, refreshing.
Finish: Lemon, golden apple, tart, fading spice, slightly oaky, dry.

Silver Medal
Silver medal



Pedroncelli
2013 East Side Vineyards Dry Creek Valley

(Sonoma) $14

Sauvignon Blanc grapes from three different vineyards were fermented slowly in temperature–controlled stainless steel tanks and aged only in stainless steel.

Aroma: Green apple, pineapple, mango, citrus, toffee, floral, bell pepper, grass, straw, mineral, delicate.
Palate: Green apple, apple cider, peach, star fruit, grapefruit, red grapefruit, orange, lemon, citrus notes, tart, fresh green pepper, pepper, spice.
Finish: Granny Smith apple, green pepper.

Silver Medal
Silver medal



Pedroncelli East Side Vineyards Dry Creek Valley

 

 

 

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