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: Viognier

 

Viognier, originally from the Northern Rhone Valley in France, is a full-bodied white wine with a rich, unctuous texture. Intensely aromatic, Viognier has good acidity, tannin structure, and relatively high alcohol. Viognier from cool climates tend towards bright citrus notes, while warm climate wines exhibit deeper floral notes and ripe stone fruit flavors. Pronounced [Vee-ohn-yay]

 

 

Capo Creek 2022 Estate Viognier, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Capo Creek Estate Viognier is aromatic and fresh with aromas of honeysuckle, peach, apricot and orange blossom with a grounding note of toasted almond. On the palate it’s deep and rich with rippling acidity and flavors of lime, white peach and ripe mango. The long finish rings with notes of orange peel and crushed rose petals. Satisfying and textural, pair with a spicy Moroccan lamb curry

 

ABV 13.5%

$45

Carol Shelton Wild Thing Viognier 2022 Central Coast

 

The label on Carole Shelton’s 2022 Wild Thing Viognier is a major hint to the delights held within. Bursting with fresh floral aromatics, it fills the glass with scents of white flowers, honeydew, orange zest and a touch of marzipan. On the palate it’s taut and crisp with juicy notes of apple, creamy white peach and lime zest. Pair with spicy empanadas.

 

ABV 13.7%

$24

 

Francis Coppola Reserve 2022 Viognier Catie’s Corner, Russian River Valley

 

The Francis Coppola Reserve 2022 Viognier from Catie’s Corner is part of a portfolio of wines that showcase distinctive sites in Sonoma County and Catie’s Corner vineyard is renowned for a select few varietals including Viognier. On the nose, a bouquet of soft white floral scents with orange blossom, honeysuckle, peach, and lime zest. On the palate lively acidity balances the plush favors of fleshy white peach, mango, and ripe apricot. Long soft finish with a light note of honey-almond. Pair with Pad Thai or Chicken Satay with spicy peanut sauce.

 

ABV 14.5%

$40

 

J. Rickards 2022 Viognier Il Sogno Ranch, Dry Creek Valley

 

The J. Rickards 2022 Viognier from Il Sogno Ranch, Dry Creek Valley opens with a tropical mélange of aromatics featuring mango, lemongrass, lime, coconut and spicy ginger. On the palate, it’s lean and bright with a lithe, supple texture and citrus notes of lime, and ginger, plus a touch of orange creamsicle. The long finish is clean and taut with a balance of apricot, green apple and a sunny note of orange peel. Pair with grilled chicken topped with mango chutney.

 

ABV 14.3%

$32

 

Russian River Vineyards 2022 Viognier Catie’s Corner, Russian River Valley

 

Great wines hail from great vineyards and Catie’s Corner in Russian River Valley is one of the most storied and lauded for Viognier. The Russian River Vineyards 2022 Viognier from Catie’s Corner in Russian River Valley is a rush for the senses. The nose is chock full of fresh aromatics with scents of honeysuckle, peach, orange blossom and a touch of thyme. On the palate it’s lively and balanced with fleshy white peach, honeydew, crisp green apple and soft apricot. Clean lean finish makes it a natural to pair with spicy tuna sushi rolls.

 

AVB 13.2%

$52

 

Robert Young Viognier 2021 Alexander Valley

 

The Robert Young 2021 Viognier from Alexander Valley is complex and compelling with an ultra soft nose and equally soft palate— it’s like a whisper from the vines to your senses. On the nose a whiff of honeysuckle, and the subtle sweet scent of apple blossom, and sun warmed peach. On the palate it’s rich and textured with flavors of peach, mango, guava, and honeydew coupled with an ever so soft patter of light tannins on the finish like tiny kitten paw prints. Balanced and bright with a lovely soupçon of sweetness, it’s worthy of drinking all on it’s own or pair with a simple charcuterie board of salamis and creamy cheeses.

 

ABV 14.1%

$40