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
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
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
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
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.
