Gold Medal - S.F. Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2024
Winemaking
Picked in the cool early morning hours and immediately to press the delicate fruit and chilled to preserve freshness. Primary fermentation is in stainless steel tank, with the addition of neutral French Oak barrels adding complexity and mouthfeel to the finish.
Sonoma County
The Sauvignon Musqué grapes grown in the cool coastal areas of Sonoma County possess a unique tropical varietal characteristic which has become synonymous of the style of Sauvignon Blanc they produce each year.
Analysis
Prime Drinking: 2023 through 2027
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Clone 1 and Sauvignon Musqué
Appellation: Sonoma County
pH: 3.59, TA: 5.8 g/L
Alcohol: 14.2%
Release Date: July 2023
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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