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
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.
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.
Inky, plush, cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
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.
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar 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.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Chewy & Ripe
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
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.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
