Vintner’s Reserve

California

There was a lot of hubbub when the Kendall-Jackson family bought a winery and several vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. While everyone may have been happy to see our wine region finally getting the publicity it deserved, many were worried that the KJW presence might dramatically change Oregon’s wine culture. Fast forward a couple years and we think the positives outweigh the negatives.

The vineyards they bought were well-known and sold quality fruit to a number of local winemakers who weren’t real happy when they had to look elsewhere for grapes. But this shift has helped lesser-known vineyards create a name for themselves. And with much more regularity, Oregon’s wines are earning medals and being written up in both online and in print publications across the globe. Who knows whether or not there’s a direct correlation between all these things but it’s interesting to ponder.

So what does that have to do with this particular wine you ask? Not much, but if you are interested in Oregon wine, we think it’s important you know some of our history. What that said, let’s discuss this lovely Sauvignon blanc from California.

Firstly, if your motto is “the grasser the better” when it comes to Sauvignon blancs, you might not like this one. The Winerabblers often have a difficult time getting passed heavy grass notes so this particular wine is right up our alley. In our glasses, rather than grass, we found tropical notes of all shapes and sizes. Pineapple and mango, along with honey and mineral notes of fresh rain, danced up to our noses. On the palate, we tasted those same flavors along with starfruit and a pleasant tartness.

We think this wine would be excellent with fish tacos topped with mango salsa, pumpkin thai curry or buttermilk ice cream!

And for the wine geeks:
T.A. 0.68/100ml
pH 3.29

SRP $13.

www.kj.com/vintners-reserve-sauvignon-blanc