This Sauvignon Blanc gets its name from time spent fermenting and aging in cigar shaped oak barrels that are larger than standard wine barrels, allowing for less surface to wine contact. There’s just enough oak influence to add nuance and depth to the wine, rounding of the acidity just a touch, allowing the mixed citrus and apple to push flavor rather than tang, and a kiss of vanilla from the oak keeps a nice tension between all the flavors. Winemaker Steve Rogstad is once again worthy of a salute.
Cuvaison, Los Carneros, Napa Valley (California) Sauvignon Blanc 2019
By Rich Cook