I have a friend who lives and dies by a good chardonnay. I have another who feels the same about sauvignon blanc. When we are together, it gets interesting picking a bottle of wine to share. I used to drink New Zealand and Australian sauvignon blancs like crazy. Over the last several years, my tastes have gravitated more to those from California. These are perfect wines for Southwest Florida weather and cuisine. For Wine Wednesday, I’ve gathered a few Sauvignon Blancs to make you salivate over.
First up, a wine I tasted again during a trip to Napa and Sonoma last month; Priest Ranch. Not only did I visit the vineyards but also the tasting room in downtown Yountville. Somerston is their sister brand which makes high-end, low production wines from their estate in the Vaca Mountains. It covers more than 1600 acres, is sustainably farmed and is gorgeous. I spent an afternoon touring the property, hearing how they fought back the fires (but weren’t 100% successful), and tasting the wines. We shared them over a family-style lunch with winemakers Craig Becker and Cody Hurd. If you like big, balanced cabernets, look for Somerston. You wont be disappointed.
Here are some photos from Somerston and Priest Ranch. Sauvignon Blancs to make you salivate follow
Now back to the sauvignon blanc. I tasted all of these wines on my latest trip to Napa and Sonoma. I’ve written about some before. However, they are worth mentioning again here. Check out my top five California Sauvignon Blancs to make you salivate over for Wine Wednesday.
Priest Ranch
This is a fantastic vintage that is a bit floral as well as citrusy on the nose. On the palate are nicely balanced flavors of grapefruit, and honeydew with some lovely tropical notes to round things out. It goes down very easy so chill two bottles, just in case. $48
Cliff Lede
This is a blend of grapes from several vineyards and grape clones which add layers of flavors and textures. The addition of a little old vine Sémillon adds some richness. It has great citrus notes, is acidic yet round and great with food. $34
Ackerman
I’ve had this wine a couple of times, in CA as well as the beaches of Southwest Florida. Ackerman is just gorgeous with citrus, peach, and juicy nectarine. It almost makes you salivate and for sure want more. It’s perfect on it’s own or with food. $45
Ram's Gate
This one also spends a little time in barrel and winemakers say it is built to age. It is a lively wine but still plush with a long pleasant finish. These grapes come from a cooler climate and make a wine with both tropical notes as well as a little salinity. Another winner for SWFL foods. $40
Shared Notes Les Leçons des Maîtres
This is a special sauvignon blanc from winemaking power couple Bibiana Gonzalez-Rave Jeff Pisoni. Shared Notes is their pet project. It is a big Bordeaux-style wine that has some semillion in it and spends some time in barrel to give it a richness that is not typical for Sauvignon Blanc. It has peach and lime and is great with seafood. Only 180 cases were made. $70
