2019 Sidebar Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

2019 Sidebar Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRussian River ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

SIDEBAR

2019 SAUVIGNON BLANC
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2019 Sidebar Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley
Sidebar is the second label for Ramey Wine Cellars, and the wines are designed for instant gratification while waiting for the Ramey bottlings to mature. They make their Sauvignon Blanc in a brightly focused style that balances floral and citrus characteristics. Since their inception, the wines have generated a bevy of positive reviews that are themed by terrific value, quality, and bang-for-the-buck. 
 
The 2019 vintage balances two distinct Russian River terroirs, with the primary fruit component located at the Northeast part of the Valley and the second one positioned on the Western edge. 
 
Dave’s associate winemaker at Ramey, and winemaker at Sidebar, Lydia Cummins, combines clone 1, which originated from Chateau d’Yquem, with Musque Clone, resulting in a fresh, brightly focused wine. The results are divine, and at $22, a single case may not be enough.
 
SIDEBAR
2019 SAUVIGNON BLANC
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $25
 
Your Price: $22
 
 
 “The nose of the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is gregarious with gooseberries, white peaches, fresh herbs and lychee. The palate is light-bodied, bright and crisp with fresh fruit flavors and lifted acidity, finishing clean.”
90 Points
 
“White grapefruit, crushed citrus, and a kiss of lemon rind all emerge from the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley, a juicy, medium-bodied, lightly textured white that’s about as gulpable as they come. Drink it over the coming year or two. These Sidebar Cellars releases from David Ramey continue to offer loads of bang for the buck.”
88 Points
2016 Chateau Haut Bergeron Sauternes (375ML)

2016 Chateau Haut Bergeron Sauternes (375ML)

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxFranceKevin VogtSauvignon Blanc

CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGERON

2016 SAUTERNES (375ML)

2016 Chateau Haut Bergeron Sauternes (375ML)
Sauternais is a region inside the Graves section of Bordeaux that’s best known for producing Sauternes, sweet dessert wines made from botrytis affected Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle varieties. It’s arguably the most famous region in the world for white dessert wines, and they’ve been made there since the 17th century. The most celebrated of them all is Château d’Yquem, which can top $500 per bottle. Notably, some of Château Haut-Bergon’s parcels sit adjacent to d’Yquem, and at less than $40 for the 375ml bottle, this is an incredibly stunning Sauternes.
 
Château Haut-Bergeron is owned by one of the oldest families in Sauternes, with more than 200 years and nine generations of winemaking. Their Estate consists of 35 hectares of vines in Sauternes and 12 hectares in Graves. 
 
The 2016 release unites 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, which mirrors Château d’Yquem plantings. On the palate, the wine is graceful, rich and intense, and comes loaded with overripe apricot, nectarine, honey. If you’re searching for a brilliant Sauternes to add to your cellar, this is it.
 
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGERON
2016 SAUTERNES (375ML)
 
Your Price: $39.99
(375ML)
 
 
“Pitch-perfect Sauternes, with focused scents of ginger, marmalade, honey and Asian spices. Gorgeous candied apricot palate which is generous with its high quality oak, delivering creamy vanilla custard notes. Everything is In place here.”
96 Points, The Decanter World Wine Awards
 
“This is very serious for this producer with very pretty depth and intensity in terms of rich fruit and a long and intense finish. Excited about this wine.”
92-93 Points
 
“Pale lemon colored, the 2016 Haut-Bergeron has quite a savory nose of baker’s yeast, warm bread, fresh straw and fried spices over a core of lemon meringue pie, baked peaches and beeswax. The palate has wonderful restraint with bags of tightly wound nuances and fantastic freshness, finishing long and honeyed.”
92+ Points
 
“Hint of ginger and well integrated and lush. Streak of green. Needs quite a time. And overall a refreshing style of Sauternes.”
16+/20
2019 Laird Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

2019 Laird Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

LAIRD

2019 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY 

2019 Laird Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
There are many different styles of Sauvignon Blanc, from brightly focused, to silky and rich, with everything in between. Laird’s 2019 falls into the brightly focused category, but what puts this wine over the top in terms of quality/value was the remarkably concentrated fruit. Laird has their choice of premium vineyards, as one of Napa Valley’s preeminent farming families, and for this wine, they undoubtedly chose right…
 
Laird’s 2019 Sauvignon Blanc emanates from the winery’s Big Ranch Estate Vineyard, which is also home to Mario Andretti’s winery. Here, the gravel and silty clay loam soils, combined with the San Pablo Bay cooling influences, are ideal for ripening Sauvignon Blanc. 
 
Winemaker Brian Mox fermented 15% of the grapes sur lie, and in neutral oak barrels. The balance was fermented in stainless steel tank, preserving the brightly focused fruit, and the combination of the two methods creates a beautiful tension on the palate that’s simply irresistible.
 
LAIRD
2019 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $26.99
 
“Inviting aromas of elderflower, passion fruit, melon, and Kefir lime lead the way to a medium-bodied white wine with a refreshing zing of bright acid, followed by flavors of white peach, Asian pear, and lemongrass. The well-balanced nature of this wine is evident in its soft, lingering finish.”
2019 Leto Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

2019 Leto Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaPope ValleySauvignon BlancUSA

LETO

SAUVIGNON BLANC
2019 NAPA VALLEY

2019 Leto Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Proprietor Brad Warner proves again that he’s got a talent for identifying vineyards capable of producing powerfully compelling, memorable wines. For his 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, he discovered a vineyard in Pope Valley, a remote, high-elevation region positioned behind Howell Mountain, that falls within the greater Napa Valley Appellation. The 2019 vintage is loaded with concentrated stone fruits and is finely sculpted and full of energy. With only 115 cases made, you might want to order yours before sharing…
 
The 2019 vintage arose from a single, high-elevation site in Pope Valley, where a dramatic diurnal temperature shift helped the fruit maintain natural acidity, but gain full ripeness. 
 
Once harvested, Brad fermented the juice at cool temperatures and aged it in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness. On the palate, it’s pristinely focused, alluring, and full of energy, and at $22, you should grab some while you can…
 
LETO
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2019 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $22
 
 
“Pale yellow robe. The bouquet fresh, with notes of white flowers and citrus fruit. The mouth dynamic, with crisp acidity and stone fruit. A pleasant finish.”
2019 Domaine Nicolas Gaudry Pouilly-Fume Loire Valley, France

2019 Domaine Nicolas Gaudry Pouilly-Fume Loire Valley, France

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtLoire ValleySauvignon Blanc

DOMAINE NICOLAS GAUDRY

2019 POUILLY-FUME
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
(100% SAUVIGNON BLANC)

2019 Domaine Nicolas Gaudry Pouilly-Fume Loire Valley, France

The pinnacle of Sauvignon Blanc production comes from the iconic Loire Valley in France, and inside the Loire, the regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are foremost. Both Sancerre Blanc and Pouilly-Fumé are composed of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, but on the palate, Pouilly-Fumé can be more lush than Sancerre, and one hallmark is a subtle smoky, gunflint note, which is less common in Sancerre. One of the best examples of classic Pouilly-Fume is from Nicholas Gaudry, whose 2019 is ridiculously good. 
 
The Gaudry family has been making wine in Pouilly-sur-Loire for generations, and the wines offer a pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc. They vinify each plot separately and ferment them in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. 
 
The wine team made the 2019 vintage in a bright, clean, energetic style that’s both dynamic and perfectly balanced. If you love Sauvignon Blanc, I highly recommend securing a case of brilliant Pouilly-Fumé. 
 
DOMAINE NICOLAS GAUDRY
2019 POUILLY-FUME
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
(100% SAUVIGNON BLANC)
 
Your Price: $29.99
Click to Order
 
 
 
“Pale yellow robe. The bouquet fresh, with notes of white flowers and citrus fruit. The mouth dynamic, with crisp acidity and stone fruit. A pleasant finish.”
2018 Aimsfield Sauvignon Blanc Central Otago New Zealand

2018 Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNew ZealandSauvignon Blanc

AMISFIELD 

2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
CENTRAL OTAGO | NEW ZEALAND 

2018 Aimsfield Sauvignon Blanc Central Otago New Zealand

Many countries have a signature grape varietal that separates them from the rest, and in New Zealand, that varietal is Sauvignon Blanc. It’s the Country’s most widely planted grape and accounts for around 70% of its total production. Wine lovers revere it for its bracing acidity, vibrant grapefruit, and herbaceous/floral aromas. The very name means “Wild White,” which perfectly coincides with the immense power of this noble variety. 
 
Amisfield is a brilliant example of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with racy acidity, pink grapefruit, fresh lime, and herbaceous characteristics. Winery founder John Darby chose to plant his vineyard in Central Otago, after an exhaustive search for the best cool-climate terroir in New Zealand. 
 
The wine team harvested the fruit at the pinnacle of perfection to capture fully developed flavors and aromas. Each parcel was fermented separately, at cool temperatures, and in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. If you’re looking for a vibrant and compelling white to have on your table this summer, this is it.
 
AMISFIELD 
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
CENTRAL OTAGO | NEW ZEALAND
Retails at: $25
 
Your Price:  $22
Click to Order
 
 
 
“Dry, bright, fresh and appealing sauvignon blanc with grapefruit, pineapple, chalky mineral and lime blossom flavours. An accessible wine with attractive purity and an ethereal texture… Drink 2019 – 2022”  93 Points
 
 
 
“This has ample lemon and grassy elements that deliver a very fleshy impression on the palate with bold, lime and lemon notes, as well as apples. Drink now. Screw cap.”  90 Points
2018 Leto Cellars Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Leto Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underCalistogaKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

LETO

SAUVIGNON BLANC
2018 CALISTOGA 

2018 Leto Cellars Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc

Leto’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc offers a vivid interpretation of Calistoga terroir, and they sourced the grapes from a tiny, dry-farmed vineyard, where winter rains are the sole source of irrigation. The vines yield just 1 and 3/4 tons per acre of pristine Sauvignon Blanc fruit, and the wine offers detailed lime peel, nectarine, grapefruit, and rocky minerals. At this price, one taste and you won’t LET it go.

Created by Brad Warner, the owner and winemaker who has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, Brad’s talent shows in this brilliant interpretation of Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is remarkably intriguing, alluring, and full of life.

Leto’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is concentrated and inviting with sensational flavors spanning fresh lime, orchard fruits, citrus, white flowers, and rock minerals. The wine was fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. With 84 cases produced, you might want to order yours before sharing this one…

LETO
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2018 CALISTOGA

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“Fresh and crisp, this Sauvignon Blanc is a delight. Aromas of pineapple and honeycomb in the glass followed by flavors of dried apricot and fresh nectarines.”  84 Cases Produced

2018 Capture Tradition Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Capture Tradition Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyKevin VogtSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

CAPTURE

2018 TRADITION
SAUVIGNON BLANC

 

2018 Capture Tradition Sauvignon BlancCapture seized our attention more than a decade ago with their very first vintage, and we knew immediately that the brand was something special. At the time, the late Denis Malbec was the winemaker, and today they’re crafted by Winemaster Graham Weerts, who has extensive winemaking experience throughout Bordeaux and South Africa, as well as Stonestreet and Arrowood wineries in Sonoma County.
 
Capture Sauvignon Blanc has always stayed true to its traditions of crafting a Bordeaux-style Sauvignon Blanc that’s balanced, pure, rounded, and loaded with detailed stone fruits and earthy minerals.  
 
The winery’s decision to ferment in stainless steel and age the wine for ten months sur lie further highlights the purity of the fruit. The resulting wine is palate refreshing with finely sculpted flavors and energy. I highly recommend a case while supplies last.
 
CAPTURE
2018 TRADITION
SAUVIGNON BLANC
 
Your Price: $25
 
“Bordeaux-like with its crisp citrus, lemon, and white flower bouquet, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Tradition is medium-bodied, vibrant and pure on the palate, with beautiful purity and freshness. It’s impeccably made and well worth drinking…” 91 Points
 
“The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Tradition comes 76% from Alexander Valley and 24% from Lake County, made in stainless steel with lees stirring. It offers gregarious scents of tarragon, chive and mown grass with kiwi, gooseberry, white peaches, flint and lychee notes. The palate is light-bodied and lively with pure fruits, bright acidity and a long, refreshing finish.”  90 Points
2018 Crocker & Starr Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Crocker & Starr AVA Nap Valley Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

CROCKER & STARR 2018 Crocker & Starr Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
AVA NAPA VALLEY

 
Of all of the Sauvignon Blancs produced in California, some of the most sought after are those made by Pam Starr.  Through her work at Spottswoode and her own label Crocker & Starr, she built her reputation as one of California’s top winemakers, with an emphasis on high quality Sauvignon Blanc.  Her new AVA Napa Valley white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, (formerly named Bridesmaid,) is an entry-level version of Crocker & Starr’s pricier Sauvignon Blanc, and at $24, it’s absolutely one of the best we’ve tasted this year.  The 2018 blend includes 6% Semillon, which adds a candied lemon element and contributes to a richer, more opulent texture.
 
The 2018 was founded around a collection of secret vineyards in St Helena, Rutherford and Calistoga, and spent 8 months in a combination of barrels, cement eggs and stainless tanks. On the palate the 2018 has copious energy and brilliant focus, with a light richness, superb acidity and lingering complexity.  If you’re searching for a delicious palate refreshing white to share with your friends and family this summer, this is it.
 
CROCKER & STARR
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
AVA NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
Winery Notes: “Vibrant and forward aromas of nectarine and lime blossoms set the expectation for the juicy, round and fresh flavors which are very true to the aromas. The addition of the Semillon brings a roundness to the more austere and citrusy Sauvignon blanc. This wine is so good!“
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr AVA Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Sauvignon Blancs…
2017 Grey Stack Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Laird Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl

Click to Order

 
From The Wine Enthusiast:  “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.”  94 Points
LAIRD
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

Click to Order

 
2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSAYountville

GHOST BLOCK 2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
MORGAENLEE VINEYARD
YOUNTVILLE, CA

 
The Ghost Block Vineyard lies adjacent to the Yountville cemetery, and legend has it that the ghost of George Yount, founder of Yountville haunts the cemetery on moon-lit nights… The historic family that owns the vineyard has been farming in Napa Valley since 1903, and has owned the Ghost Block parcel since 1930, yet producing the first vintage of Ghost Block in 2004.  Their 2017 Sauvignon Blanc from the MorgaenLee Vineyard in Yountville summons detailed tropical fruits, rock minerals, shaved coconut and supple cantaloupe.  The flavors are long, lingering, and unlike Yount’s ghost, they’re full of life.  The only thing scarier than the haunted cemetery is running out of this chillingly delicious Sauvignon Blanc.  
 
Ghost Block Sauvignon is aged 10 months Sur Lie, a french term meaning “on the sediment.”  This style of winemaking adds palpable levels of richness and body which meld perfectly with the Island fruits, minerals and firm acidity.  At our tasting, we were so captivated by the 2017 that it’s not only haunting the wine racks in our shop, but we’re pouring it by the glass in the tasting room.  Come by for a taste…
 
GHOST BLOCK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
MORGAENLEE VINEYARD
YOUNTVILLE, CA
 
Your Price: $24.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “A ripe full bodied sauvignon blanc that has a great balance of aromas. A grassy herbal scent with tropical tones and flavors of melon and pear which lead to a nice mid-palette weight of tropical and stone fruits. The lasting finish is full with pleasant oak undertones.“
 
Customers who enjoy Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard  Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Whites… 
2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Farella Coombsville Sauvingnon Blanc
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.”  94 Points
FARELLA 
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $25.99/btl