HESS LAKE COUNTY SAUVIGNON BLANC - 2007

This is the second vintage of this single appellation wine. It is a blend of Clone 1 and Musque clone. Some lots were fermented in stainless steel tanks while others were fermented in neutral oak barrels to give it a bit of weight. 100% Sauvignon Blanc and 14.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

The color of watered-down apple juice. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit, gooseberry, grass and citrus. Hints of melon on the palate with sharp acidity on the short finish. Simple with a good mouthfeel but still showing some heat.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

85 PTS

Not a bad effort, especially for an $11 bottle. If your expectations are tempered, this wine makes an adequate aperitif or casual food pairing. I continue to find myself struggling with California Sauvignon Blancs in this price range because New Zealand does it so much better. The gauntlet has been thrown down and California needs to up its game in the $10 - $20 price category. It is becoming easier and easier to ignore the California Sauvignon Blanc aisle entirely in the wine store with the superior price and quality coming out of New Zealand.