Sauvignon Blanc
Dry Creek Valley, Certified Organic
2007

The Wine
Sauvignon Blanc has long been our signature white chosen for its appropriateness to our climate and soils. Our style is an expression of the innate grassy character of the varietal, enhanced by fruit from a particularly herbaceous block, and preserved by minimal processing in the cellar. Its vinification is a balance of cold-fermentation in stainless steel, and ripening “sur lies” at cellar temperature in French oak casks. The dominant flavors are of stone fruit and melon, aromas of fresh herbs and straw, the finish is lean and crisp with just a touch of candied ginger.

The Vines
Sauvignon Blanc wast the first grape we planted on our farm in 1974, replacing the postprohibition prune orchards. It was a serendipitous choice, coming more from our love of that wine genre than from insightfulness about the market. Believing it to be an early maturing grape, we planted it on our richest soils which tend to delay its ripening. It was a good guess with wonderful unintended results, our SB has become known for its bright, grassy, varietal character. We further encourage that character by leaving in place a full vegetative canopy for shade.

Thoughts for Food
Although sweet, briny shellfish is a natural partner for Sauvignon Blanc, we feel that a vegetarian match can be more innovative. ZaZu Restaurant in Santa Rosa has a provocative starter for a blustery spring lunch, fennel consomme with wild fennel fronds. Or visit our favorite Italian Restaurant in Geyserville, Taverna Santi, for their braised, balsamicfinished radicchio with Tomino cheese. The toasty after-finish of our wine would provide happy punctuation for either.

Organic
With the 2005 releases all our wines now have
“Organic” labeling. The entire farm, vineyards and the winery too are certified by C.C.O.F. in recognition of our multi-year program of soil nutrition, pest management, and vinification without the use of synthetic materials. Organic techniques for the Sauvignon Blanc include growing lush wihter-time covercrops with
compost and natural mineral amendments, aggressive tillage in the spring to fully incorporate the nourishing biomass, and planting of insectary hedgerows.

Technical Data
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2007
Estate Grapes: 100%
Year Planted: 1997
Soil: Deep Yolo Loam
Barrel Fermentation: 10%
Alcohol By Volume: 13.7%
Bottling Date: 02/20/08
Release Date: 03/03/08
Total Cases: 1524
CA Retail: $22.00

Aging Potential
2-4 years from vintage

Updated: April 16, 2008