Cep Wines, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Hopkins Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2024 ($33)

Cep Wines is a second label of Peay Vineyards. Peay is most noted for Pinot Noir grown on their cool Sonoma Coast site. The estate is too cold for Sauvignon Blanc, but they found an excellent source for that grape in the Hopkins Ranch of the Russian River Valley. The Cep 2024 Hopkins Ranch Sauvignon Blanc is impressive and appealing, with a vivacity and complexity not often found in Golden State Sauvignon Blancs. It is reminiscent of a fresh Sancerre in its purity and lively style. The nose is bright and forward with aromas of grapefruit, pear and lime fruits backed by hints of flowers and herbs. Richly textured on the palate, it offers layers of ripe grapefruit, tropical and lime fruits plus the classic grassy, herbal notes of Sauvignon. It is a beautifully balanced white that is delicious now and will drink well for another year or two.
91 Wayne Belding