California Sauvignon Blancs have been on a hot streak of late when it comes to quality. There’s plenty of excitement about winemakers keying into their styles, with more experimentation in the cellar, including the use of different yeasts and fermentation vessels. But one of the mantras of wine always remains true: You can’t make good wine from bad grapes. The recent uptick in the quality of these white wines absolutely begins with more attention in the vineyard. This week’s Tasting Highlights showcases some of those efforts.
It’s appropriate to start with Dry Creek Vineyard, one of the pioneers in the category. When David Stare first planted his favorite white grape in the 1970s, it was against advice and all trends. Now the winery has become synonymous with outstanding Sauvignon Blanc (which it sometimes bottles under the nickname “Fumé Blanc”), and Dry Creek has five different Sauvignon Blanc–based wines in its portfolio. The DCV3 is a single-vineyard bottling. Just a decade ago, it would have been rare to see a Sauvignon Blanc that was vineyard- or block-designated on a label, but now winemakers are focusing on the sites that make their wines special, and this bottling showcases a particularly aromatic and intense expression. Nearby is the Timber Crest Vineyard, which is the source for Kokomo’s offering. Here, the sandy loam soils and Musqué clone present an effusive and fresh expression, with accents of ginger and green tea.
This group also features wines from Grgich Hills, Clif Family and more. Read on to get our expert scores and full tasting notes!
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