2022 Kylie's Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc
94 Points - The Tasting Panel & The Somm Journal ♦ "This is among the best Sauvignon Blancs produced in California. Stylistically, it offers generous ripeness and breadth on the palate derived from the state’s famously bright sunlight, but without sacrificing the zesty freshness that attracts wine lovers to this grape variety in the first place. Lightly floral aromas and scents of dried herbs lead to flavors that recall both tropical and citrus fruits. Detailed and yet harmonious, this is very impressive."
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Planet Grape Wine Review
92 Points "Gold Medal" - Beverage Testing Institute ♦ "Light yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of lime zest in vanilla cream, Nelson Sauvignon hops, lemongrass and grapefruit, and strawberry and kiwi with a round, vibrant, dry medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-length finish that presents impressions of key lime pie, pineapple meringue, grapefruit pith and white flowers, and green garden herbs. Citrus and green herbs balanced with a rich, round palate; would make a good food pairing wine to serve with fish tacos or grilled chicken with pineapple salsa."
THE VINEYARD
Dutton Ranch farms more than 80 separate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Our Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, Shop Block and Mrs. George's, are planted to the Musqué clone, which is noted for its unique floral aromas. Kylie’s Cuvée is a family designation from our Sisters Selection and named for Joe and Tracy Dutton’s middle daughter. The Shop Block Vineyard is known for higher acid fruit, which is softened during the fermentation and aging process. The vineyards are certified Sonoma County Sustainably Farmed and Fish-Friendly. They are dry-farmed and historically produce grapes of consistent character.
THE WINEMAKING
The fruit was harvested at night like our other vineyards. The blocks were kept separate through the pressing and fermentation process. The Shop block was whole-cluster pressed and kept in two separate tanks for a fun experiment. We racked the juice early off the sediment from one tank and inoculated with cultured yeast. The other tank was kept below 40 degrees F and we let it cold settle for just under two weeks. The fruit from Mrs. George's Vineyard was also whole-cluster pressed, but placed into stainless steel tanks where it was inoculated with cultured yeast. The wine aged for four months in 100% stainless steel. Mrs. George's Vineyard is blended with the Shop Block Vineyard barrels prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of pineapple and meadow grass prevail on the nose followed by hints of fresh guava. The mouthfeel is crisp, focused, and lengthy on the palate. Tropical fruit, sweet basil, and ripe peach flavors are lifted by gentle citric acidity. This versatile wine is equally enjoyable with goat cheese and Frisée salad or seared tuna with ginger on the barbecue!
