This wine is the palest yellow color, showing a hint of green and crystal clarity. On the nose, vibrant aromas of white flowers and tropical fruit combine with rich aromas of ripe pear and yellow apple, with heady notes of lime zest and fresh grass adding nuance and complexity. On the palate, a combination of green apple and rich pie crust round the wine out so that it comes across as vibrant, refreshing, and impeccably balanced.
In order to maximize quality, the harvested grapes went directly to press as whole clusters and were gently pressed. This provides a distinct mouthfeel texture. 100% of the fermentation was completed in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatics. To ensure a bright, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, it did not go through malolactic fermentation
2022 was the third consecutive drought season which was definitely seen in the yields. The growing season was one with very few heat or cool spikes, which actually means more ripening per day. With lower yields, smaller berries, and a very high heat spike at the beginning of September most grapes were picked earlier than previous years. The quality was excellent, with lots of concentration and richness, there just wasn’t a lot of it. We harvested this fruit on September 7th, 2022, and September 14th, 2022.
To craft this wine, we decided to try something new in 2022 and incorporate Sauvignon Blanc from the Mauritson family’s acclaimed Hardie Ranch in Dry Creek Valley with our Sauvignon Blanc “Musque” Clone fruit from the Dutton family’s renowned Jewell Ranch in the Russian River Valley (which has been a part of our Clockwise Sauvignon Blanc since its debut vintage). The Hardie Ranch grapes beautifully complement the Dutton fruit, which provides beautiful aromatics, unique complexity, and a distinct tropical fruit-driven style. Using fruit from these two different regions has resulted in an enticing Sauvignon Blanc with layered complexity.