2012 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc

(includes 6% semillon and 2% sauvignon vert; six months of lees stirring; the majority of this wine came from fruit in Rutherford; mostly done in concrete eggs, neutral oak and stainless steel): Pale-medium yellow. Pineapple aromas lifted by flowers. Supple and quite dry, with a slightly green edge to the flavors of pineapple, anise and fresh herbs. Finishes with a bit of warmth and a lightly phenolic character. Winemaker Chris Tynan notes that Bordeaux blanc is his archetype for this wine.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2014