Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is well known for it’s spiky, lively acidity. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy, to creamy notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. When it comes to food pairing—Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate flex, versatile and accommodating to a vast array of foods from oysters on the half shell to cheese and charcuterie, or tomato based dishes.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Sauvignon Blanc you may find along the Wine Road.

 

 

ACAIBO 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

 

The ACAIBO 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is the personal creation of Gonzague & Claire Lurton steeped in California terroir. On the nose, a delicate scent of sweet hay, ginger and green peppercorn. The palate is rich yet lean with Rainier cherry, lemon, honeyed-saffron and amber. Steely and precise, the long finish rides a wave of zippy acidity. Go with a classic pairing—oysters on the half shell.

 

ABV 13.5%

$ N/A

 

 

Baldassari 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

 

The Baldassari 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Knights Valley in Sonoma County is pale yellow in the glass. On the nose, it’s a complex bouquet of lemongrass, white peach, ginger, lychee and a note of butterscotch. On the palate it’s fresh and sunshiny—a medley of citrus, limestone and honeydew with a flinty note of gooseberry and sea salt on the tangy finish. Pair with the beach and a good book!

ABV 13.2%

$ N/A

 

 

J. Bucher 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

 

The J. Bucher 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is from the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley appellation. On the nose, scents of pink grapefruit, creamy peach and mango with a salty-lime note reminiscent of a Margarita. On the palate it has rolly–polly mouthfeel; both soft and spiky with flavors of guava, ginger, slate, lemon, green apple and grapefruit pith. It’s textured and elegant with fine balance on the finish. Pair with Scallop Ceviche.

 

ABV 14.1%

$38

 

 

J. Rickards Winery 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Croft Vineyard, Alexander Valley

 

The 2023 J. Rickards Sauvignon Blanc is from the Croft Vineyard in Alexander Valley. On the nose, enticing scents of jasmine, lemon grass, and salty buttered bread fill the glass. On the palate, it opens soft and creamy with notes of peach and fleshy Rainier cherry. Secondary flavors of kiwi and grapefruit follow with salty crisp acidity on the long finish. Pair with Tomato and Peach Caprese Salad.

 

ABV 14.2%

$30

 

 

Pedroncelli 2023 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Pedroncelli 2023 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley is named for the founders of the winery, which is fast approaching the 100^th year in operation. On the nose fresh peach, lychee, honeydew melon, ginger and lime. It’s zesty with an approachable complexity of flavors that range from all-spice to lychee to caramelized pineapple and jalapeño. Pair with Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Chimichurri sauce.

 

ABV 13.5%

$22

 

Sonoma-Cutrer 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

 

The Sonoma-Cutrer 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley is a pale straw color with a tinge of green. On the nose a soft scent of peaches and cream with notes of lime and rose water. On the palate, crisp and bracing flavors of pink grapefruit, pear, honeydew, lychee and slate with soft secondary notes of vanilla and butterscotch. The long lingering finish buzzes with acidity. Pair with grilled Mango Chicken.

 

ABV 12.2%

$25

 

Varietal of the Month: Syrah

 

Syrah, a Rhône varietal, is a full-bodied dry red wine with supple tannins and savory flavor. It’s juicy and spice-driven with dark black fruits and a telltale note of black olive. If you wrote a dating profile for Syrah it might read: “Dark, rich and elegant with great character. I’m smooth and seductive and have a thing for the spicy side of life with a penchant for black olives. Call me! Or better yet, drink me!!” Yes, Syrah has all the markers for a great date, but an even better as a date wine.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Syrah you may find along the Wine Road.

 

NOTE: The wines below were tasted and evaluated 100% by a human being. No AI was harmed or used in the writing of these notes.

 

 

Acorn Axiom Syrah 2019, Alegría Vineyards, Russian River Valley

The ACORN 2019 Axiom Syrah is a field blend of Syrah inter-planted with Viognier. Before tasting, pause and raise a glass to the ACORN field-blend champions, for this 21^st vintage from the vineyard is also the last. Enjoy it while you can. In the glass it’s deep garnet in color with a sage and blackberry nose and secondary notes of vanilla and cedar. On the palate a plush mouth feel, rich black fruits such as blueberry and plum predominate with a warm mid-palate note of nutmeg and dark chocolate. The long finish is juicy and lush with smooth spicy tannins. Pair with sausage pizza with arugula.

 

ABV 14.6%

$50

 

Alexander ValleyVineyards 2019 Syrah, Alexander Valley

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Syrah is a dark purple color in the glass with a deep fragrant nose of violets, cocoa, smoky sage, mint and black pepper. On the palate it’s full flavored and earthy—mocha, leather, fig cassis, and blueberry with a wonderful spicy cured meat note. It has a sunny acidity that warmly transits across the palate. The long plush finish has soft integrated tannins. Pair with herb dusted goat cheese and prosciutto wrapped figs.

ABV 14.0%
$26

Amista 2018 Syrah,Morningstar Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

The Amista 2018 Syrah from Morningstar Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley Garnet is a deep ruby color. There’s a spot on the trail I frequent where on a warm summer day the scent of ripe juicy blackberries mingles with tufts of minty pennyroyal and the crushed gravel dust kicked up from my hiking boots—and that mixture of blackberry, mint and dusty gravel smells just like this Syrah. The palate has a plush mouth feel with juicy black fruits, black olive, black cherry and raspberry on the long spicy finish. Pair with Pork tenderloin with herbs de Provence.

 

ABV 14.7%

$50

 

Baldassari 2020 SyrahNolan Vineyard, Bennett Valley

The Baldassari 2020 Syrah from Nolan Vineyard in Bennett Valley has a deep earthy nose with scents of black fruits, chocolate, clove, and crushed violets. On the palate it has a soft sensuous charm with a plush mouth feel and smooth knitted tannins. Savory and flavorful with notes of pink peppercorn, pomegranate, blueberry and secondary notes of cassis and smoky vanilla. The spicy peppery finish is long and layered with a touch of black olive. Very delicious! Pair with spice rubbed pork chops with mango chutney.

 

ABV 14.2%

$ 43

 

Balletto 2018 Syrah,BCD Vineyard Russian River Valley

The Balletto 2018 Syrah from the BCD Vineyard in Russian River Valley is dark garnet in color with scents of sweet violet, black cherry, blueberry, licorice and chocolate mint. As it opens a savory note of bacon fat emerges that is simply divine. On the palate it’s earthy and plush with flavors of graphite, plum sauce, and cardamom. The finish is a compelling vibe of warm spicy chocolate and black olive that builds and deepens with each sip. Pair with spicy lamb kabobs and fresh mint.

 

ABV 13.8%

$36

 

Cāpo Creek 2018Syrah, Fountain Grove District, Sonoma County

The Cāpo Creek 2018 Syrah from Fountain Grove District has a deep

burgundy color in the glass. On the nose, scents of violet, crushed gravel, blueberry, plum, sweet tobacco, and milk chocolate. On the palate notes of sweet briar, fig and vanilla, which builds to a minty crescendo with smooth integrated tannins. It’s like an adult version of a Peppermint Patty! Smooth and satisfying with a spicy finish that is both fresh and savory. It’s great to sip on its own or pair simply with charcuterie board and rosemary flat bread.

 

ABV 14.9%

$82

Longboard Vineyards2019 Savage Côast Syrah, Russian River Valley

The 2019 Longboard Savage Côast Syrah from Russian River Valley is dark magenta in the glass. On the nose a characteristic rotundone note—the aromatic peppery quality of peppercorns, marjoram and oregano found in Rhône grown Syrah. Additional scents of blueberry, cassis, violet, black cherry, leather and gravel give it a grounded earthy heft. On the palate a soft mouthful with sassafras (aka root beer) black olive, cranberry, sweet tobacco, clove, espresso and a cured meat note. The spicy finish is long and taut with balanced supportive tannins. Pair with Grilled Sausages and Peppers.

 

ABV 14.5%

$68

 

J. Rickards Winery2019 Syrah, Furlong Vineyard, Alexander Valley

The J. Rickards Winery 2019 Syrah from Furlong Vineyard in Alexander Valley is dark garnet in the glass. On the nose a rush of scents including blueberry, clove fruitcake, sweet cherry, cassis, cocoa, leather and a meaty note like cured sausage.

Fresh and fruity it has great complexity, texture and flavor. On the palate notes of sage, chocolate, herbal cherry and blackberry compote with a zingy hit of black olive. Silky tannins and lush long finish build to an exhilarating finish with juicy blackberry and black cherry notes. Pair with Moroccan Chicken Tagine.

 

ABV 14.6%

$35

Peterson 2016 Syrah,Gravity Flow Block, Sonoma County

The Peterson 2016 Syrah, Gravity Flow Block has serenity and a tension that makes me think of the moment just before the conductor drops the baton and the music begins. That suspended moment of anticipation is mirrored here in the way the flavors build coalesce into a singular harmony. Medium garnet in color it has a lovely potpourri nose of violet, sage, spicy black carnation, blueberries and plum with a minty-chocolate-anise note. On the palate, a plush mouthfeel with blueberry, sweet tobacco, chocolate mint, leather, graphite and black pepper. The fine tannins carry the complexity of black fruit flavors through to the end with a trace of black olive on the finish. Pair with classical music and Chateaubriand.

 

ABV 14.7%

$48

Chardonnay: Varietal of the Month

Chardonnay is planted widely around the world.  It’s sometimes called the chameleon grape given its propensity to display characteristics that reflect the particular climate and region where it’s grown. It can be coy or bold in personality and run the gamut stylistically from rich and creamy to lean and lithe. Hone your palate by tasting a variety of styles and experiment with food parings too to discover the many aspects of Chardonnay.

 Here are capsule reviews of some Chardonnay’s you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Baldassari 2019 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

 

The 2019 Baldassari Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast opens with an array of aromas from bright to savory with notes of citrus, apple, melon, butterscotch and hazelnut. It’s juicy and creamy on the palate with delicate buttery top note and a tropical fruit through line of intense flavor that carries it to a satisfying finish. This classic wine aches for a simple yet classic snack—pop up a big bowl of popcorn and season with truffle salt.

 

ABV 14.2%

$ 

Cast 2021 Chardonnay, Ghianda Rose Vineyard, Mendocino

 

The 2021 Cast Ghianda Rose Vineyard, Chardonnay from Mendocino offers a frisson of flavor with a distinct zing that makes me think of Chenin. The lovely light nose is full of cucumber, lemon zest, and melon. On the palate it’s juicy with ripe peach, crisp apple, pineapple, white nectarine and a savory note of hazelnut. Balanced and bright, it has a long creamy finish with a pop of red grapefruit and lemon zest that persists to the end. Try this with spicy beef or chicken empanadas. 

 

ABV 13.5 %

$38

 

Dutton Estate 2020 Chardonnay Warrens Collection, RRV

 

An earthly delight, the 2020 Dutton Estate Warrens Collection Chardonnay from Russian River Valley is complex and delicious. On the nose, aromas of melon, mango, yellow apple and a grounding note of coriander. The palate is creamy and pert with luscious caramelized pineapple, lemon zest, white peach, and a trace of salty almond. A long seamless finish deepens with each sip. Pair with a classic roast chicken and extra cheesy potatoes au gratin.

 

ABV 14.1%

$56

 

Ektimo 2018 Chardonnay RRV

 

Inhale deeply from the Ektimo 2018 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley for a rush of scents from lemon curd, grapefruit, and apricot to an exciting floral bouquet comprised of citrus and apple blossoms. On the palate a pleasing blend of apple white nectarine, almond brittle and a creamy finish with notes of pear and honeydew melon. Great overall balance and lift of flavor. Pair with something elegant, rich and savory, like poached salmon with hollandaise. 

 

ABV 13.0%

$28

The Meeker Vineyard 2021 Gamboge Chardonnay, North Coast

 

The Meeker Vineyard 2021 Gamboge Chardonnay from the North Coast, is best described as full of moxie and style. The wine presents with an energetic mix of flavors and aromas that is nothing short of thrilling. On the nose, persimmon, chalk, buttery croissant, honey almond and gooseberry. The palate is rich with notes of peach, nectarine and almond butter which gives the mid palate a pleasing weight and presence. The long tangy finish has an endnote of cedar and crushed rocks. It sounds like a there’s a lot going from this tasting note, but it’s truly a harmonic convergence of flavor and nuance. Pair chicken enchiladas.  

 

ABV 12.9%

$29

 

Pedroncelli 2021 Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Pedroncelli Signature Selection, 2021 Chardonnay, from Dry Creek Valley is light and balanced and thoroughly enjoyable. On the nose, tropical notes of banana, coconut, cream, and peaches with a touch of sweet pineapple. The juicy palate has both bright and plush aspects– creamsicle like, with notes of peach, ginger, chalk and a note that hovers at mid-palate which is reminiscent of coconut cream pie. The finish is crisp, clean, tangy and ultimately quenching. Pair with charcuterie board of meats and cheeses along with good crusty bread, and invite some good friends over to enjoy it all. 

 

ABV 14.0%

$20

 

Sonoma Jones 2019 Chardonnay RRV

 

This 2019 Sonoma Jones Chardonnay from Russian River Valley is a second label entry from Viszlay Vineyards that pays homage to the Jones side of the family. It has pleasing rich aromas of creamy peach, Asian pear and toasty brioche. On the palate it’s lifted and bright with notes of grapefruit and lemon curd and crème brulee. As it opens and warms in the glass, it reveals a distinct note of caramelized peanuts that reminded me of an exotic old school treat called French Burnt Peanuts, crunchy red clusters of buttery delight! Balanced and easy drinking, pair with a spicy chicken jambalaya.

 

ABV 14.4%

$38

Woodenhead 2019 Chardonnay Piper Ranch Manchester Ridge, Mendocino Ridge AVA

 

This 2019 Woodenhead Chardonnay from Piper Ranch, Manchester Ridge in Mendocino is best described as Rubenesque —plump, carnal, fleshy and full of light. 

A gorgeous scent fills the glass with notes of ambrosia that includes coconut, melon, banana, mandarin and a whiff of butterscotch. On the palate, full lush flavors of lemon curd, white peach, guava, vanilla, and caramel flan. Deeply delicious it’s a captivating foray into what a site specific Chardonnay can deliver. Pair with Psychic Pie inspired mushroom, goat cheese, lemon pizza. 

 

ABV 13.6%

$46