Our Sauvignon Blanc vineyards enjoyed beautiful conditions from Spring right through harvest in September. As usual, the majority of the grapes are from the Griva vineyard in the Arroyo Seco appellation of the Salinas Valley. This year we also selected grapes from a neighboring vineyard as well as from two vineyards a few miles to the south in slightly warmer locations. All our Sauvignon Blanc grapes are the highly prized Musqué clone. We also continue our tradition of adding a small addition of barrel fermented Napa Semillon to enhance roundness and complexity. A large majority of our lots are cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to enhance and protect the intense varietal characters of these special vineyards. The resulting blend is a wine which exhibits a rich mosaic of aromas and flavors typical of the great Sauvignon Blancs of the world.
Our 2008 expresses the finest varietal aromas of fresh grass, gooseberry, grapefruit and white peach with nuances of melon and our typical hints of Arroyo Seco minerality. The mouthfeel is round and full, with layers of grapefruit, lime and tropical fruit flavors which linger on the long, lush finish.
Fermentation: Our 2008 offering is 75% tank fermented with 25% fermented in barrel for added texture.
Yeasts: We use two specially selected yeasts; one which enhances fresh grassy and floral aromas and the other which produces gooseberry and tropical fruit characters.
Vineyard Blend:
Sauvignon Blanc:52% Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco; 21% San Saba Vineyard, Arroyo Seco;19% Arroyo Loma Vineyard, Arroyo Seco; 4% Wild Horse Canyon Vineyard, Salinas Valley.
Cooperage: 100% French Oak
Semillon: 7% Takahashi Vineyard Semillion, Napa
Release Date: June 1, 2009
Case Production: 8,696 cases
Retail: $16.00