2009 saw a second consecutive year of drought conditions and early spring frosts in Santa Ynez Valley, diminishing yields of our Home Ranch Sauvignon Blanc. After a cool spring and early summer, heat spikes in August and September - coupled with low yields and small berry sizes - got our Home Ranch harvest off to an early start, with Sauvignon Blanc picked in pristine condition with excellent sugar-acid ratios.
This lovely wine opens with ripe, classic varietal aromas of honeydew melon, lime, guava and grapefruit, with mineral, herbal spice and vanilla scents adding dimension and complexity. On the full, yet svelte palate, the wine's rich, concentrated melon, lime, lemon cream and white grapefuit flavors - underpinned by a refreshing minerality - offer impressive depth, length and balance, culminating in a remarkably long finish. The latest in a long line of superb Gainey Vineyard Sauvignon Blancs, the 2009 makes a fine apertif sipper and a delicious accompaniment to seafood, poultry and salad dishes.
June 2010