I’m not a huge lover of Sauvignon Blanc. Except when I’m craving it. Then I have to have it. It’s big flamboyant floral aromas and fruity flavors that borderline stink of pineapple. Like a gore-y movie that keeps you squinting and squirming through the whole flick and makes you wonder “Dear God, why, am I watching this???” Because sometimes you just want to watch something awful. And sometimes you really want to drink something stinky. It’s just a fact of human nature. And so, if/when you find yourself craving that stereotypical Sauvignon Blanc stink, I do believe that Rutherford Ranch has found a way to present that in a most palatable way.
About the Wine: Rutherford Ranch 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes harvested from Napa Valley. Due to the heat and California drought, 2016 saw early bud break and early harvest and, according to the tech sheet, Sauvignon Blanc was the first varietal picked by the Rutherford Ranch team. Totally find for this funky little fruit, since early harvest helps retain acidity and minimize the sticky, fruity sugars of the variety.
The wine was fermented in 100% stainless steel.
12.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: In the glass the Rutherford Ranch 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is a very pale tan-yellow in the glass. It reminds me of when my lawn dries out in the summer — that very sun-bleached blonde.
The nose is full-on of summer sun: fresh — but under-ripe — pineapple (read: not too sickly sweet with fruit aromas); wet pebbles, and a background scent of aquatic flowers (lotus, water lily).
The initial flavors of the Rutherford Ranch 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is all about that pineapple. But again it’s not a sticky, sweaty sweet — rather, it’s diluted with a bit of that warm summer rainfall. Let the wine linger and dig a bit deeper — lemongrass, fresh cut lawn clippings, and hint of lemon-lime citrus zest. And the finish just oh-so-delicately tingles the tongue for a fun conclusion.
This wine is a luxury resort in a tropical paradise — it’s a more sophisticated take on that stereotypical Sauvignon Blanc “stink.” So, if you’re not an SB lover but find yourself wanting to watch a horror — here’s one that will provide the flavor you seek, but won’t have you squinting and squirming and asking “Dear, God…why???”
Food Pairing: A fun wine deserves fun food. I enjoyed the Rutherford Ranch 2016 Sauvignon Blanc with pan-seared halibut in a Thai coconut curry broth. Take this pairing to the next level and make the wine work. Add extra chili peppers to the broth while it’s simmering to kick up the heat: Not only will this subdue the fruit flavors in the wine, it’ll make you grateful for it when you do taste it.
More Info: I received the Rutherford Ranch 2016 Sauvignon Blanc as a sample for review. (Cheers!) For more information about Rutherford Ranch and to purchase wines directly, visit the Rutherford Ranch website.
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sauv blanc just never my thing….I usually search out a rhone varietal….however, another nice piece, loved the “luxury resort in a tropical paradise” line….aces!