Souverain Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Region: Alexander Valley, California
Winery: Souverain
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

VINEYARD NOTES Our Estate vineyards in northern Alexander Valley are the primary source of grapes for the 2006 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The soils here are composed of gravelly benchland and alluvial strata, which produce moderately vigorous vines yielding fruit with flavors of citrus, melon and floral notes. The warm, inland valleys of Lake County make up fourteen percent of the master blend.
The 2006 growing season delivered a perfect summer for producing Sauvignon Blanc. The summer was cool and untouched by rain, giving the grapes extra time to fully ripen and concentrate flavors. The Sauvignon Blanc ripened in moderate daytime temperatures that accentuated the bright citrus fruit flavors.
All of the fruit for this wine was whole cluster pressed in order to maintain varietal character and yield the most delicate juices. Winemaker Ed Killian opted for a style that reflects classic varietal character with a softer mouth-feel. A combination of cool tank fermentation (14%) and barrel fermentation (86%) allows for a richer flavor profile while retaining typical citrus zest aromatics. In order to achieve a delicate oak balance, the juice was fermented in mostly once-used French oak barrels and aged for five months on the lees before final blending and bottling.
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS The 2006 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc offers just the right balance between bright, crisp varietal character and a gentle touch of barrel influence from the winemaker’s hand. Inviting aromas of Meyer lemon, grapefruit and lemon pudding lead to juicy flavors of citrus, lime and vanilla cream on the palate. The finish is supported by a crisp acidity that accentuates the classic Sauvignon varietal flavors and inspires the next sip.
Blend: 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Viognier Alcohol: 13.9% Acidity: 0.63g/100ml Appellation: Alexander Valley Harvest Date: Aug. 22 – Sept. 21, 2006
CRITICAL ACCLAIM Wine Advocate “Most serious wine consumers realize Souverain is a good source for value-priced, fruit forward, interesting reds and whites offering plenty of appeal.” Robert M. Parker, Jr. 2/2005

Posted by thewinery on December 1st, 2007 at 9:51am | report comment

Souverain Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Region: Alexander Valley, California
Winery: Souverain
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Color: Pale straw with a hint of green

Nose: Very grassy and tart, with gooseberry and even some green pepper

Palate: Same as the nose, but ends a little shorter than expected.

Posted by drxeno on April 3rd, 2008 at 2:34pm | report comment