First, a quick history lesson, compliments of Old School Lane Cellars.

The first vine cuttings of Sauvignon Blanc were brought to California during the 1880s by Charles Wetmore, founder of Cresta Blanca Winery.  Some of those cuttings came from France’s legendary Chateau Y’Quem, where the variety was used to make a world-famous dessert wine known as Sauternes.

Most California wineries embraced that sweet style during Sauvignon Blanc’s early years in the state.  Before long, the variety was among the favorites of all American wines.  It wasn’t until well into the 20th century that significant numbers of vintners began making California Sauvignon Blanc in a dry style.

That proved to be a wonderful decision, as the variety’s popularity skyrocketed during the last decades of the century.  As Wine Spectator put it, “The wines just keep getting better and better.”

Tasting Notes (provided by the wine club):

Grape Composition:  Sauvignon Blanc and Other White Varieties

Grape Source:  Select Vineyards in Various California Growing Regions (Only mildly vague…)

Aromas and Flavors:  Tropical Fruit, Citrus, Hay and a Hint of Minerals

Aging Vessels:  Stainless Steel Tanks

When to Drink:  Now Through 2014

Tasting Panel Score:  89 Points

“This refreshing wine offers impressions of tropical fruit, citrus, hay and minerals.           Food pairing suggestions:  garlic shrimp or artichoke dip

Alright, if I was at the store and read “hay and minerals” as aromas and flavors in this wine I would have had to pass.  I mean, I’m not trying to drink the essence of barnyard and cheap bottled water.  The aroma definitely has an almost woodsy tone to it and definitely hints of citrus.  Initially it is sweet but not overbearingly sweet.  It finishes off dryer, crisp and clean.  I was definitely able to detect that steel tanks were used in the aging process.  Not necessarily a bad thing.  It adds to the mineraly (I know, it’s not a word, work with me here) and clean taste.

On a scale of “this tastes like piss” to “oops, I just drank the whole bottle”  I would give this an “I think I need a second glass, just to make sure I like it.  Ok maybe a third…”  I would personally suggest pairing it with some good garlicky chinese food like garlic chicken, or some pizza rolls.

Final Grade:  B+