Sauvignon Blanc

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | A barrel-fermented wine that’s not at all oaky, but pairs bright acidity with a rounded texture. Fragrant in crisp apples, lemongrass and key limes, followed by mineral accents and a hint of chalkiness for a nice bite on the palate. Medium-bodied, fresh and well-balanced. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 vintage offers a very pure expression of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, a captivating balance of weight and intensity with bright, fresh acidity. Aromas of lemongrass, orange blossom, pink grapefruit, and Key lime pie are mirrored on the focused, layered palate.

A dynamic interplay of ripe fruit, rich sur lie texture, and brisk acidity amplifies and extends through the mid-palate, introducing hints of white pepper and crushed rock. The finish is long and mouthwatering, the bracing high notes slowly melting into an echo of candied grapefruit peel.

My intention with Jayson Sauvignon Blanc is to make a wine that is incredibly bright and energetic with a beautiful purity of fruit bolstered by a broad, textural midpalate. In the vineyard, I manage the canopy to encourage early ripening with acidity retention. I’m blending acid-driven valley floor fruit with intense, ripe fruit from our mountain vineyards that’s given longer hang time to fully evolve, a range of ripeness bringing nuance and detail. Lees are stirred just enough to impart a balancing richness while retaining freshness. The finished wine is a complete package of energy and crispness, complexity and depth.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is green and tropical, loaded with passion fruit and honeydew melon; the palate is concentrated and juicy, and this will no doubt deeply please the cohort of Marlborough-savvy drinkers who lust after this quenching profile. Well played. 13.5% alcohol, stale under screw cap. Anticipated Maturity: 2024-2026

Winemaker Description 

This wine shows an array of fruit characters, ranging from citrus through to tropical notes. This is complemented by some secondary characters from the natural yeast ferments and some barrel aging. The palate has an elegant structure with a creamy, textural mid-palate and a long finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

93 Points James Suckling | A full-bodied white with aromas of spiced apple, pear, dried pineapple, flint and smoke. Tight and refined with bright acidity and energy. Deep and layered. Vegan. Drink or hold. 

91 Points Robert Parker | The showy and expressive 2019 Ritual Chardonnay has notes of yellow fruit, full development of aromas and flavors, good ripeness and very high acidity that make it vibrant. It finishes dry and mineral.

Winemaker Description 

An elegant wine of yellow-green color, with expressive aromas of grapefruit, tangerine and soft hazelnut notes intertwined with subtle hints of oak and vanilla. Soft, elegant and creamy texture with remarkable roundness and a long finish. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | Extremely floral with grapefruit and lemon blossom aromas. Hints of stones. Medium-bodied with a dense middle palate. Green mango and lime at the end. Intense and vivid.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | Hints of pencil shavings and crushed stone appear on the nose of the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Dollarhide Estate, 16% of which was barrel-fermented in new French oak (the balance was made in stainless steel). Joined by fig and melon notes, this is a plump, medium-bodied effort, nicely rounded on the mid-palate, while retaining a sense of grapefruity freshness on the finish.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Fragrant and succulent, with a wonderful creamy texture to the background of white peach, lemon curd, celery seed and tangerine notes, revealing hints of Himalayan salt and serious energy on the finish.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Like a bowl full of fresh peaches and green apples, this wine brings together an almost sweet ripeness and balancing, crisp acidity that lends a snappy, appetizing texture. 

Winemaker Description 

Brilliant hues of pale yellow and green present this white wine. Fresh aromas of grapefruit, kiwi, and fennel are intertwined with a vanillin thread, evidence of the element of subtle new French oak. Yellow grapefruit and lime zest flavors follow with the essence of ripe pear, while the toasted oak qualities of the barrel maturation have encouraged a round, rich mouth feel, along with the subtle creaminess of the sur-lie maturation. This is a crisp yet rich flavorful Sauvignon Blanc.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Tim Atkin MW, 92 Points | Twenty-nine different components from Benguela Cove, Stanford and the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley make up the blend of this stylishly packaged Sauvignon Blanc. Sidestepping tutti-frutti flavours in favour of something more profound, this has layers of wet stones, greengage and pink grapefruit, subtle oaking and a salty undertone. 2024-27

James Suckling 91 Points | Gentle chopped herb (think tarragon) and snow pea aromas on the nose with sliced fresh pears and grapefruit. Wonderfully fresh
and zesty, medium-bodied, with a clean and lightly salty finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Made in a way ensuring the personality of site and soil is not over-ridden by the forceful character of the variety, this wine exhibits the typical Southern Right balance of tight “Old World” minerality and length with hints of “New World” texture and body. The 2023 is a wine that favours origin expressive individuality, minerality and palate complexity ahead of simple, pungent varietal aroma.

A significant percentage of fruit from iron and clay-rich soil has added a textural and structural component and additional overall complexity to this wine. The sandstone soils have contributed their typical bright, tensile character and a marked, saline minerality. This is Sauvignon blanc as fine wine, not Sauvignon blanc as simply a varietal expression.

Certified Sustainable (Integrated Production of Wine, Biodiversity & Wine Initiative.

Winemaker Description 

Aromas of green apple, citrus, and lemon grass. Refreshingly dry and light-bodied with a crisp acidity, wrapped around a mineral core. Pair with fresh seafood, salads, goat cheese.

Producer Description 

Tropical aromas and flavors include passionfruit and gooseberry. Round/clean mouthfeel with touches of melon, integrated acidity and a lemon/lime finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points Best Buy Top Value Brands 2024 # 78 |  Leaning on the green veg side of the fence, this is a bombastic-yet-harmonious combo of freshly sliced green bell pepper, string bean, seashell, lime granita and passion fruit aromas. Theres lively acidity and some lovely texture to boot.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Pear, lemon and yuzu flavors are precise and fresh in this white, with plenty of focus to its accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers hints of toasted green tea and dried ginger on the crisp finish. Drink now. 35,000 cases made, 13,000 cases imported.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description

The 2021 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc is initially closed on the nose but unfurls with notes of subtle tropicality, honey and graphite. The palate is extraordinarily complete, with complex layers of peach, preserved citrus and toasted nuts. A fine line of acidity and an enticing saline minerality balance the intense core of fruit and provide a fresh, palate-cleansing finish. 

Expert Review

Robert Parker 95+ Points | Te Koko is arguably the wine that launched the concept of premium Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand in the 1980s—no mean feat. On the nose, this 2021 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc leads with pink grapefruit, nashi pear, white pepper, layers of crushed shells and brine, with hints of vanilla pod and star anise. In the mouth, all of the above with additional cut fennel, suggestions of marzipan, graphite and white pepper. There is a gentle lees texture and brilliant length of flavor. Excellent wine. The only reason you could possibly not like this wine is if you don't like Sauvignon Blanc, and even then, I'd insist that you try it.

Winemaker Description

Discover the vibrant Gilgal Sauvignon Blanc from Golan Heights Winery. Crafted from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the unique volcanic soil and high altitude of the Golan Heights, this light to medium-bodied wine offers a symphony of guava, pineapple, lemon, peach, and melon, balanced with a subtle grassiness.

Enjoy its delightful aromas of pear and vanilla, complemented by tropical pineapple flavors, Gala apple, and refreshing mint notes. Perfectly paired with grilled seafood, light salads, or goat cheese, it promises a fresh, lingering finish. Ideal for enhancing any dining experience.

Producer Description 

Our elegant and refined Sauvignon Blanc incorporates small amounts of Sauvignon Musqu and Sauvignon Gris, which add a layer of depth and a fleshy, full-bodied mouthfeel. At first swirl, this wine presents tropical aromas of passionfruit, pineapple and melon with nuances of peach and jasmine.

 Stainless steel fermentation was supplemented with small amounts of acacia, French oak and chestnut barrels, adding additional character and nuance to this delicious wine.

Wine Notes

Winemaker Description 

Pale lemon with brilliant clarity. A vibrant bouquet of ripe grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple with a hint of freshly cut grass. You’ll think you’ve wandered into Paradise. A fresh, lively approachable wine overflowing with grapefruit, lemon and passion fruit and infused with a delicate, herbaceous character.

Crisp and refreshing with lots of yummy tropical fruit notes it's perfectly suited to lighter meals like white meats such as chicken and pork.

Our Professional Review

Rand S. & David W of 67Wine.com | This is considered a very rare California boutique sauvignon blanc.  It is highly sought after for those seeking a very special wine.  Realm makes some of the most sought after wines out of Napa and their Sauvignon Blanc is one of the finest expressions in the valley.

You will find tropical fruit notes including lemon, tangerine, and a hint of peach.  Great wine. It is not grassy but rather soft on the palate. Very elegant, balanced and not over ripe. Staff tasted & recommended.   

Winemaker Description

Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc is a stunningly crafted white wine, sourced from vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley, including their Horse Heaven Estate Vineyard. Crisp, vibrant and delicate in flavor, this Sauvignon Blanc white wine brims with the cool freshness of citrus and herbs that pair particularly well with light seafood and vegetable dishes. 

Winemaker Description

Guided by the idea that “less is more,” this wine is dry and fresh, with crisp fruit flavors and bright minerality. Some of their grapes come from family vineyards in Napa Valley, with the majority coming from Suisun Valley, a “hidden gem” wine region only a short drive from Napa. Suisun shares a similar maritime climate and produces exceptional fruit. Their farming practices enable us to create a wine that is not overly ripe – while also not herbaceous – featuring low alcohol and bright acidity.

Our Professional Review

David of 67wine.com | Wow! The fruit really comes alive on your palet. If you drink New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc elevate your experience with this California alternative. What an enjoyable experience where you can taste the art of a great winemaker. 

Winemaker Description 

The grapes for this wine are sourced from Block 1 on Purisima Mountain Vineyard, which tends to ripen slower than most of the Sauvignon Blanc in the region. The added hang-time adds to the flavor and textural development of the finished wine while the limestone soils ensure great acidity.

Incorporating skin contact prior to pressing brought another level of texture and roundness to the vintage; the wine is kept fresh by fermenting and aging in stainless steel, showcasing vibrant tropical and citrus fruit aromas and flavors. 

Our Professional Review

David of 67Wine.com |  If you read my review of Beckman Sauvignon Blanc, this wine while the same grape and also from California is a world apart.  Hall is in effect opposite of Beckman.  This wine shows beautiful balance, where its mineral front and a level of softness on the palate is remarkable.  Hall is a great dinner wine where you get the best of both worlds, excellent wine that will not overwhelm your cuisine.  

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 vintage of Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing and vibrant with effusive aromas of citrus zest, honeysuckle and lemon grass. The bright, lively acidity on the palate is balanced with flinty minerality and mid-palate richness driven by sur-lie aging. 

Intense lime and green apple aromas on the nose followed by some funky (and pleasant) notes of passion fruit / durian / boiled green beans / asparagus. Pronounced lime-y acidity with an underlying salinity. Long finish.

Winemaker Description

Fresh, vibrant and floral with succulent citrus notes, the 2022 Illumination offers textured weight with juicy yellow apple, wax melon and citrus blossom notes. The palate surprises and delights with a fresh and lively mouthfeel that offers energetic acidity with even ripeness. This white blend will remain elegant for years to come. Winemaker Description. 

Blend: 50% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 33% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Semillon

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling | Aromas of dried apple, pineapple and lemon with honey blossom follow through to a medium to full body with a lovely texture and a wonderful finish with phenolic framing and intensity. 83% sauvignon blanc and 17% semillon. Drink or hold.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | Bright, refreshing and with some good fruit depth, this wine made from 50% Sauvignon Musqué can be sipped alone and will also pair nicely with lunch and appetizers. A touch of ripeness/sweetness softens the edges and amplifies the citrus and grassy flavors.

Winemaker Description

Inspired by our favorite Bordeaux white wines, Covenant Solomon Blanc 2022 is a tribute to one of best Sauvignon Blanc vineyards we know of in Northern California. The vines are planted at the Moaveni Vineyard in Bennett Valley. They border our Syrah vines, also planted there.

When we first tasted the wine post fermentation, we were astonished. I’ve been drinking Sauvignon Blanc for over 40 years, and the Solomon Blanc reminded me of the finest Sauvignon Blanc wines from the greatest producers in France. In barrel, it continued to improve, developing extraordinary complexity. There was no doubt in our mind that this wine was worthy of the Solomon name. We’ve never produced a white wine like this.

Solomon Blanc 2022 was fermented in French oak barrels and stirred on the lees to promote richness and depth. The wine is layered with complex and intriguing flavors redolent of lemon peel, pine nuts, kumquats, and passionfruit all bound together with a seamless mineral core. It finishes with freshness and great length.

Winemaker Description

The Judean Hills, where Tzora Vineyards resides, rise sharply from the coastal plain, and exhibit ideal conditions for growing wine grapes. Terraces cling to this rugged area in a multitude of directions as they follow the contours of the steep slopes. Cold winters, sharp temperature drops during the short summer nights and early morning summer mists, as well as variations in soils from rocky limestone outcrops to ones rich in minerals, all contribute to the character, the balance, and the great longevity of the wines. The wines of Tzora reflect the Judean Hills’ unique terroir. In order to achieve this goal, they make wine only from their estate’s fruit, grown in three vineyards, Giv’at Hachalukim, Shoresh and Neve Ilan, each with varying soils and meso-climates. 

The Tzora Shoresh Blanc is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Chardonnay from grapes grown on old terraces of terra-rosa soils with limestone subsoils. The wine is aged sur-lie for 6 months in French oak barriques. Expressive on the nose with aromas of vanilla, tropical fruit and toast. The palate shows a fine sheen layer of spice to complement the exotic fruit notes that are balanced by a round, creamy mouthfeel and lively acidity. 

Expert Review

93 Points James Suckling (2022) | Very aromatic with a wide spectrum of fresh fruit salad aromas (plenty of citrus), plus notes of ripe gooseberry and honeysuckle. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant on the medium-bodied palate with zesty and animating acidity. Stacks of fresh herb and citrus zest at the long finish, plus a whiff of smoke.

Winemaker Description 

Dalton Fume Blanc is fermented with wild yeast in oak casks and allowed to age for a further four months in barrel. The wine is supple and fruity, with notes of citrus and pineapples subtly balanced with a rich and smoky character from the barrel.

Kosher for Passover 

Winemaker Description 

Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc captures crisp flavors and aromas of citrus, kiwi and mango with a touch of lime.

Excellent as an aperitif or paired with salads, sushi, seafood and fresh, young cheeses.

Winemaker Description 

UBY No. 3 is the ultimate wine for sharing and pleasure, with a drier character than No. 4 but an equally intense aromatic palette. It is the ideal wine for an aperitif with exceptional value for money.

Zekun Shuai writes:  A clean and slightly acidic sauvignon blanc with gooseberries, guava and chalk. Medium body on the palate with bright acidity and light mid-palate flavors. Drink now. Glass stopper.  - James Suckling

Habla de Ti 2022 is an enchanting white wine, captivating with its vivacity and lightness. On the nose, it unfurls a spectrum of scents reminiscent of crisp green asparagus and sweet mango, complemented by an herbaceous hint of tomato leaf. Upon tasting, its exuberant nature is affirmed with flavors of tropical fruits that pirouette across the palate, leaving a lasting and exceedingly delightful impression. This wine is a feast for the senses, perfect for savoring at any given opportunity.

Winemaker Description 

Primary fruit aromas of fresh and lightly poached citrus are gently spiced with vanilla bean and perfumed with lemon myrtle and black currant. The palate's meld of many fruit flavors is enriched with a lemon curd richness and textured with a lime zest and chalk like minerality to finish. 

Expert Review

Toronto Star 92 Points | Each fragrant sip starts with bright lime and freshly sliced Granny Smith on the nose before beaming in with a tangy attack of lime, elderflower, grapefruit and damp herbs before tapering to a final sifting of salt. This dry thriller with just 12 per cent alcohol, is an easy win — especially when tacos, goat cheese salad or anything served with a squeeze of lime is on the table. It’s also excellent with steamed spears or Ontario asparagus. 

Winemaker Description

Our Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and sunny with citrusy aromas and flavors. Enjoy its zesty flavors with salads, goat cheeses, and grilled seafood.

Bright and Refreshing with Classic Pear, Melon and Citrus Notes. Fresh and vibrant, with classic pear, melon and citrus notes. This elegant wine has a crisp, clean finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Our Sauvignon Blanc has delightful ruby grapefruit and floral aromas. The palate is ripe with Fuji apple and melon flavors and finishes with lemon-lime and juicy guava fruit. 

Winemaker Notes

The wonderful aromas of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are thanks to the fertile slopes of Zichron Ya'akov. Upon tasting this wine, one experiences a rich, delicate sensation, herbaceous fragrances and fruity flavors.

Winemaker Description 

Pale yellow in color with light green hints.

This Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc wine has complex and elegant nose offers up aromas of lime, grapefruit, pineapple and pear complemented by floral and mineral touches. 

In mouth it is fresh, well-balanced with a rich acidity and soft body, where citric and tropical fruits reappear with mineral finish that delivers complexity and elegance.

Winemaker Description 

The light gold 2022 ‘L’Après-Midi’ rises from the glass with an array of lemon and orange blossoms, jasmine, pear, and yellow peach with flourishes of baking spices and lemon curd. A bright, expressive entry with juicy, well-integrated acidity gives way to a plush mouthfeel with apricot, passion fruit, and vanilla cream highlights. The exuberant 2022 ‘L’Après-Midi’ finishes with notes of mango, lemon zest, and lime blossom. 

Expert Reviews

94 Points Robert Parker |  The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc L’Apres-Midi, blended with 8% Sémillon and matured in about 15% new French oak, features ringing tones of peach, kiwi, tarragon and white lily with undertones of candle smoke, flint and petrichor. The palate opens with pure fruit before unfurling expansive, savory accents, and its fresh acidity balances its satiny, mouth-coating texture. Its juxtaposition of concentrated fruit and shimmery tension draws you back to the glass for another dynamic sip, and although it's approachable now, it will develop complexity in bottle over the next decade.

94 Points James Suckling | Plenty of apples, pears and green melon with hints of green mangoes. Some steely undertones. Medium-bodied with bright and vivid freshly cut fruit. Delicious finish. Hints of stone and blossom honey. About 8% semillon.