Gold Medal - 2009 Sonoma County Fair
After a cool, rainy spring, summertime has finally arrived here in Sonoma County, and as the thermometer passes 90 degrees, our thoughts naturally turn from red to white wine. Sonoma County has developed a reputation for Chardonnay, and while there is no doubt that Sonoma County is producing some world class Chard, it also tends to be expensive, and can be a little too full-bodied for warm weather. Fortunately, Sonoma County’s diverse microclimates mean that other varieties flourish here as well. Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County has recently begun to garner serious critical praise, and excellent examples are springing up throughout the county. One such Sauvignon Blanc, the 2008 from La Czar Vineyards recently crossed our desk, and we couldn’t wait to share it with our customers. And that was before we found that we would be able to offer it an incredible bargain price of just $18. This is definitely one to keep in the fridge at all times this summer!
The 2008 La Czar Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a hillside vineyard in the Sonoma Mountain AVA. This area is characterized by plenty of sunshine, but with the elevation to keep the temperatures cool. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of fruit and varietal character. Pale straw in color, the nose shows classic Sauv Blanc aromas of grapefruit, lemon, fresh cut grass, and white pepper. The palate is loaded with key lime, lemon, orange peel, apple, and just a hint of grass. Nice acid keeps the wine in balance, with a long finish that gives a faint impression of sweetness. At just 13.5% alcohol, this is Sauvignon Blanc in a restrained, classic style that makes it perfect for sipping before dinner on a hot day, at an afternoon BBQ, or with fresh oysters. Don’t miss out on the chance to stock up on Sauv Blanc from an up and coming producer at an unbeatable price.
COMPOSITION: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
HARVEST DATE: September 14, 2008
APPELLATION: Sonoma Mountain
BRIX: 23.2
TOTAL CASES: 526
pH at BOTTLING: 3.38
BOTTLE SIZE: 750ml
TA at BOTTLING: 7.31
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
BOTTLING DATE: April 14, 2009
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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.
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.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
