I have often dissed sauvignon blanc from California. I’ve called it bland, boring, lifeless. I’m guilty of badmouthing the whole category based on a few underwhelming experiences. But truthfully, California can produce exceptional sauvignon blanc. And this bottle from St. Supery proves me wrong for all the bad things I’ve said about Californian sauvignon blanc in the past.
Based in Napa Valley, St. Supery has been around since 1989. It’s owned by Robert Skalli, a third generation winemaker from Southern France. In addition to St. Supery, the Skalli family still owned vineyards in Southern France, where Robert has pioneered varietally-labeled wines versus the appellation-based designations that have been the tradition in France for ages.
Despite Skalli’s French heritage, the St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc is a very “new world” style wine with lively tropical fruit flavors.
The nose is exceptionally powerful on this wine and has aromas of tomato leaf, cut grass, grapefruit, celery and flint. The flavors are predominently citrus, like grapefruit and lime, but there’s also some honeydew melon — which comes out even more on the finish. The finish also shows a touch of saltiness. The acidity is sufficient, but a wee bit more would be nice. Still, this is an excellent sauvignon blanc.
Wine: St. Supéry
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13.7%
Rating: 90
Price: $14.99
Find St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc with Snooth