Tis the season for digging into some refreshing white wines and Sauvignon Blanc is probably the stereotype of that sentiment. But what kind of Sauvignon Blanc drinker are you? (Assuming you like it at all.) Are you in the New Zealand super-grassy, overtly passionfruit camp? Or are you in the Loire with its steely minerality? Perhaps you prefer you SB with a bit of Semillon for texture and body.
There are so many different ways Sauvignon Blanc can be expressed based on climate, soil, and of course winemakers’ decisions. The Clos Du Val Sauvignon Blanc, for me, falls somewhere in between the NZ fruit fun and the Loire’s steely gaze, and ultimately balanced with just a touch of “something” extra that I’m going to equate with the Yountville terroir. It’s a Sauvignon Blanc that I look forward to each vintage.
About the Wine: Clos Du Val 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel tanks
13.9% ABV
Flavor Profile:
Appearance: pale lemon
Aroma: Pronounced, youthful aromas of grapefruit, passionfruit, wet grass, blossom, gooseberry, banana, lychee, mango, agave, and fresh coriander.
Palate: The palate is dry with a medium level of alcohol, high acidity, light body, and pronounced flavor intensity. The palate mimics the nose, enhancing each and every element listed above. The finish is very long and fades from tropical fruit flavors to those citrus notes, and ultimately leaving a floral back-breath.
Conclusion: Based on the WSET criteria, I determined that this wine is very good. The level of aroma and flavor intensity is undeniable, and the balance between the high acidity and moderate alcohol means you can really enjoy the freshness of those fruit flavors. Because the flavor and aroma flavor profile did stay in the primary category, I did not find this wine very complex nor appropriate for any kind of long-term bottle aging—and I don’t think that’s the point. This is a wine to enjoy now as a refreshing aperitif or, as I did, as an element of freshness to a spice-filled meal.
Food Pairing: I paired the Clos Du Val 2019 Sauvignon Blanc with grilled prawns, seasoned with several spices, and served with a roasted corn purée and a simple salad of arugula, grape tomatoes, and paprika-spiced pistachios, dressed with a homemade vinaigrette.
More Info: I received the Clos Du Val 2019 Sauvignon Blanc as a sample for review. (Cheers!) Price: $30. For more information about Clos Du Cal, their wine, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Clos Du Val website.
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