2008 SAUVIGNON BLANC - SONOMA COUNTY / REDWOOD RANCH

Our Sauvignon Blanc juice is fermented slowly at very cold temperatures. When the fermentation approaches completion, approximately 20% of the juice is cold-transferred to finish fermenting in new French oak barrels. The wine in barrels is blended back with the stainless steel batches prior to any suggestion of oak character in the blended wine. This limited exposure to new barrels gives the wine richness and fullness in the mid-palate. From a winemaking perspective, the dry growing season produced the benefit of inducing "moderate stress" on the vines, which limited growth of the canopy and focused the vines' energy on the grapes.

The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits forward aromas of lemon meringue, banana, tart apples, ripe grapefruit and pineapple. The palate confirms the nose with additional candied lemon zest and an exotic spiciness. Medium plus body and acidity support the long lemon meringue and banana cream finish. This Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with shellfish, especially Dungeness crab. This wine will also stand up to rich, spicy Thai and fish dishes.