Matanzas Creek Winery Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 2006

Winemaker Francois Cordesse's passion for Sauvignon Blanc is evident in the sophisticated, yet spirited, nature of this 2006 vintage wine. Comprised of primarily Sauvignon Blanc, this blend also includes 13% Sauvignon Musque, a clonal cousin to Sauvignon Blanc that balances the wine's acidity, strengthens the mid-palate and provides a longer finish. Estate-owned vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley and Knights Valley are the primary source of this wine's Sauvignon Blanc fruit, while Sonoma County's Knights Valley is the source of the Sauvignon Musque fruit.

The translucent, pale straw color of this wine is followed by a fresh bouquet of pink grapefruit and melon. Emulating the nose, the palate of crisp citrus and melon flavor carries a hint of dry white herb, and is accompanied by a soft, round mouthfeel. This supple quality distinguishes Francois' wine from many of the popular "green, grassy-style" Sauvignon Blancs, and is achieved by fermenting 21% of the final blend in French oak barrels.