Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
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    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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There is a quiet revolution fermenting in Napa Valley wine country, a Sauvignon of a different color is gaining traction among the red wine geography.  Sauvignon Blanc, a classic white wine, is getting noticed, with many of Napa’s cult producers jumping onboard.  If you think you know Sauvignon Blanc, with its laser-precise New Zealand profile of herbaceous tropical fruit and lime, or the crisp, mineral French wines of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, rethink what it can be in the New World of California.  Fruit-forward and bright, with riper citrus and tropical fruit notes, a textured mouthfeel from time in used or new oak barrels, and a racy thread of acidity that connects the wines to its Old World roots, these are the complex, sophisticated Sauvignon Blancs that are being made today in Napa Valley.
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Robert Mondavi was the driving force behind Sauvignon Blanc coming to Napa Valley in the late 1960’s.  Mondavi enjoyed French versions of the grape, and planted it in Napa Valley, calling it Fumè Blanc to overcome its lackluster reputation in the US.  Currently the fourth most planted varietal in the Valley, winemakers are experimenting with Sauvignon Blanc.  From the vineyard to the cellar, producers are crafting aromatic wines with zesty acidity, yet lush and round, with the nuances of oak barrel aging and time on the lees contributing to an enticing complexity.
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Wine and travel writer Barbara Barrielle gets the scoop on Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc from Caroline Stewart Guthrie
In May 2018, I was introduced to eight Napa Valley Sauvignon Blancs and their winemakers at Charles Krug Winery, as part of a Wine Writers Educational Trust (WWET) deep dive into the region.  Some were perfect for the searing heat of August, fresh and bright, while others revealed themselves slowly, layers of flavor and texture, that could be drunk anytime, by the glass or with food.
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Charles Krug St. Helena-Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($18) is all about freshness, hand-picked at night, cold-soaked to preserve its aromatics, and cold fermented in steel tanks to keep it crisp and delicate.  Well balanced, with aromas of lime and grapefruit, and flavors of citrus and passionfruit, this medium-light bodied wine is vibrant in the glass.
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Caroline Stewart Guthrie, Co-Proprietor of Stewart Cellars
Stewart Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($25) is a textured wine that reveals its combination of winemaking techniques on the palate.  Hand-harvested from Stanly Ranch Vineyard, whole cluster pressed and settled overnight, it’s fermented half in barrel and half in stainless steel tank.  Fragrant on the nose with gooseberry (which correlates to fresh and tart green fruit), nettles and tropical fruit, layers of citrus fruit (lemon, lime, grapefruit) are interwoven with a mineral thread, balanced acidity, and a textured mouthfeel lingers long after the last sip is taken.
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Jim Close, Winemaker for Gamble Family Vineyards
Gamble Family Vineyards Gamble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($25) is zesty and succulent at the same time.  Four clones, two from the Loire and two from Bordeaux, flesh out the fruit, while native yeast, lees stirring, and 70% neutral oak barrel aging produce layers of flavor.  Mouthwatering aromas of Meyer lemon, apricot, and ginger infuse the citrus mineral palate, grapefruit and lemongrass make for a juicy wine, but still a rich and elegant finish.
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Gamble Heart Block Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ($90) is intense and remarkable, although the fruit comes from the same vineyard as the previous one, it’s harvested from the center, the heart of the vineyard.  Fermented in 45% new French oak for 18 months, it’s so very different, the nose is sweet, more apricot, citrus marmalade, and creme brulée, yet it’s dry, a rich creamy texture is interlaced with the brisk citrus, with savory accents of white pepper, lime and flint, with a finish that goes on and on.  This wine is one for the cellar, and will benefit from time in the bottle.  A limited production, it’s only available to Gamble Wine Club members or through the tasting room.
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Remi Cohen, General Manager and Director of Winemaking for Cliff Lede Vineyards
Cliff Lede Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($25) is a Bordeaux-style wine blend of 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Semillon, and 2% Sauvignon Vert (better known as Muscadelle).  Old vine fruit, hand-harvested at night, whole cluster pressed, cold-soaked for up to 12 hours, and fermented in a combination of French oak, stainless steel, and concrete egg, this is an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc.  An intricate interplay of citrus (Meyer lemon, key lime, ruby grapefruit, kumquat), with quince, coconut, pie crust and basil notes floats on on a rich, full-bodied, waxy texture, truly a lot of bang for the buck.
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Genevieve Janssens, Director of Winemaking for Robert Mondavi Winery
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc To Kalon Vineyard Reserve 2015 ($52) expresses Mondavi’s original inspiration, French Sauvignon Blanc through the lens of California terroir.  The To Kalon Vineyard, recognized as one of the finest vineyards in the world, was originally planted in 1868; in the coveted I-block, 60-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines provide the fruit for this legendary Fumè Blanc.  This elegant, concentrated wine is incredibly long and complex, a result of a slow, cool fermentation in French oak, aged on its lees for 9 months, and a small amount of Semillon, aged in concrete eggs, was blended in to add richness and complexity.  White floral notes accent the white peach, pear, Key lime and lemon peel flavors, with spice and juicy acidity adding to the palate’s artistic mosaic and luxurious mouthfeel.
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Amy Ludovissy, Assistant Winemaker for Girard Winery
Girard Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($18) is the sum total of three vineyards from different parts of the Valley, each bringing a specific component (citrus, floral, and tropical fruit) to this acid-driven wine.  A slow, cool fermentation elevated the aromatics, with no oak involved, the complexity comes from the various vineyards’ micro-climates, where the fruit is grown.  Fresh and bright, kiwi, honeydew, and lime on the palate, this is a fun party wine that will please.
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Luke Clayton, Assistant Winemaker for Rombauer Vineyards
Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($24) is fresh, juicy and vibrant on the palate.  Lots of effort went into finding the right mix of factors to create a white wine that can stand up to their reputation for Chardonnay, this Sauvignon Blanc only in its fourth vintage.  Fermented in mostly stainless steel, with a small percentage of neutral French oak for texture, this is a bright wine with tropical fruit notes of mango, passion fruit, pineapple and papaya, with a grassy accent.  Lively acidity makes this a perfect wine for summer festivities, it even comes with a screw cap for convenience.
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Napa Valley makes intriguing Sauvignon Blanc wines, a dynamic blend of styles, from mouthwatering acidity to creamy texture, layers of citrus, stone and/or tropical fruit, framed by oak and concrete egg aging, or a purity of fruit focused by stainless steel tanks.  These complex wines put a new spin on the white wines of the region, mouthwatering and mouthfilling, bringing a new dimension to the winescape of the Valley.  There's a new Sauvignon in Napa, for the lighter side of life!