2012 Magna Mater Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara. This is a new personal project of Jordan Fiorentini, who is the winemaker at Epoch.
I had this twice in the past three days, first at a tasting of 40+ wines (bought some) and brought tonight to a local tasting group. Evidently the vineyard produces a little more melon fruit flavor profile, coupled with 25% new French Oak (per website) and it is a very nice bottle of wine. I don’t know if it is the Musque clone, but would not be surprised with the aromatics (a tiny bit of web “research” revealed that that vineyard has at least the Sauvignon Blanc 1 and Musque clones)
I think the Dagueneau wines can be worth it if you can find them at the lower end of their usual price range (I purchased a few bottles through JJBuckley when they offered PCP). They just serve a different purpose than your everyday SB unless you are very wealthy. For me they are a special occasion wine and well worth it for their uniqueness.
I did not read through this thread, so forgive me if I am repeating. I am very impressed with the Cep Sauvignon Blanc. Well balanced, crisp and fruity with a snappy finish. Not flat and flavorless like some and at the other end of the spectrum, no cat pee, grapefruit rind or body odor aromas.
I opened a 2013 Rochioli Sauv Blanc yesterday and it was fantastic. Similar to the Merry Edwards, but with a little complex mineral thing going on. Really tasty.
I recently discovered Eric Kent’s Cuvee Renee SB… definitely on the tropical, full-bodied, end of the spectrum (granted, it’s all relative), but loved the acidity and the fruit.
I came across this thread shortly after opening my first Sauv Blanc of 2014, a 2012 Downes Family Sanctuary Peak, Elgin Valley RSA (11% Semillion according to Tanzer, who gave it a 92; $14 on sale at K&L). Complex citrus focused on grapefruit, lime, maybe some orange, along with grass, spicy juniper, lemongrass and chalk. Overall, a fine example, showing a balance of Sancerre minerality and new world fruit in a light to medium frame. A good 90-91 point wine and good QPR but to answer Scott’s OP eh, I’m just not that into the variety – from 8 to 6 to 4 bottles consumed (not counting restaurants) over the past few years.
I do like Merry Edwards, full, fleshy and complex, and have found it at modest markups in a couple of restaurants, and have had a number of quality Boulay Sancerre over the years. Are the new generation Dagueneau the equal of things 2004-06? Because those were superior and a nice special treat as mentioned upthread. I think I’m more likely to take a tour of White Bordeaux than seek out much more SB. There isn’t much new to see here, even though this thread has whetted my appetite a bit.
Got to say, this could sway some Cali SB opinions. If you go from fridge to cellar toward room temp, it’s got a depth to it that I certainly didn’t expect.
Vatan, on rare occasions. But I also love the Chavignol cuvees from Thomas-Labaille, and of course Clos Roche Blanche Sauvignon when I can get my hands on some.
No question this is indefensibly high. In the scheme of things, I guess I just rationalize that my bargain hunting and splurges somehow net out – rough justice, if you will. BTW I also recently has the Mondavi I Block SB from To-Kalon, which I think costs a bit less and was quite good.
Has anyone had the Rochioli Old Vines Sauv Blanc? I just got an offer for 2 whole bottles (99 case production) and wondered if I should take them at $48 per.
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