This particular Sauv Blanc was grown in the Richie Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The soils are Goldridge sandy loam over volcanic pumice, and the vines are a mix of Clone 1 and Musqué on AXR-1 rootstock, planted in 1980 (one wonders how long until they succumb to phylloxera). The Brix at harvest was a modest 21.8 degrees, and Ramey fermented the fruit in concrete egg with ambient yeasts. The wine did not undergo malolactic, and most of it aged in that concrete vessel, with ten percent in neutral oak, for eight months.
It’s a pale yellow color with the grape’s classic fragrance of grassy green fruits and peels. The palate is angular and uninflected by the textural modifications of wood and ML; instead it feels linear, cleansing, a green arrow of citrusy tropical fruit. The late finish suggests Bay laurel and sweetgrass. Breezy and refreshing, pair this wine with salads, blanched vegetables, light pilafs, and fish.
2016 Sidebar Sauvignon Blanc Richie Vineyard Russian River Valley
13.5% abc | $34 (sample)
