2017 Cliff Lede - Sauvignon Blanc Napa 750ml | SKU 75830
Meyer lemon, key lime, ruby grapefruit, and kumquat notes are lusciously entwined in the bouquet as well as in the flavors. As the wine opens in the glass, those citrus elements find further complexity with touches of pie crust, coconut, honeyed quince, and Thai basil.
To emphasize its difference from the classic Sauvignon Blanc, Dog Point's 2016 Section 94 steadfastly refuses to note the varietal on the front label. Which, I should note for TTB purposes, is actually the back label. Whatever. It continues to be a benchmark for the so-called alternative style of Sauvignon Blanc, being barrel-fermented with high solids and indigenous yeasts. Wild notes of green onions and sweat dominate the nose at the moment, but I expect them to mellow with time in the bottle and reveal the underlying stone fruit and grapefruit elements. It's medium to full-bodied but fresh and vibrant, with a crisp, citrusy finish. Unlike most Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, the Section 94 and similar wines can drink well for up to a decade or more from the vintage.
