2019 Durant Vineyards Lark Sauvignon blanc
Dundee Hills,
Willamette Valley,
Oregon
13.4% alcohol
Empty bottle weight: 25.3 ounces // 720 grams
Cork closure
386 cases produced
It seems to me that lovers of Sauvignon blanc come in two types; those who love the grassy style popularized by New Zealand or those who prefer the mineral-driven version from France. It should come as no surprise that I love minerality in my wine and lean toward the French style. However, my favorite Sauvignon blancs are much rarer, heralding from Oregon and Washington!
For the most part, the wines from both states have sent the cat pee and grass packing back to New Zealand in favor of piquant aromatics and flavors. Tart citrus and ripe tropical fruit notes elegantly hover over mineral-driven acidity and salinity. Pacific Northwest winemakers are utilizing various tools in their toolbox to enhance their Sauvignon blanc offerings, such as fermenting in some neutral oak and lees stirring. Some are also allowing a portion of their wine to go through full malolactic fermentation (malo, for short). All these techniques contribute additional aromas, texture, and body to the finished wine.
Spencer Spetnagel, the winemaker at Durant Vineyards, used all three of the above methods when making the Lark Sauvignon blanc. He destemmed the entire lot, then fermented a third of the grapes in neutral French oak and the remainder in stainless steel. All the juice went through malo and spent ten months on the lees with regular stirring. In the end, Spencer achieved a lovely balance between the acidity and fruit, and a broad, textured mouthfeel that enveloped my entire mouth with each sip.
Bouquet:
Fresh herbs // lemongrass // brioche rolls // honeycomb // lemons // lemon verbena // fresh-tilled soil
Palate:
Tropical // starfruit // preserved lemons // rich, broad mouthfeel // salinity // vanilla // passionfruit finish
Food pairing suggestions:
Buddha’s delight // zucchini nests with egg and kale // za’atar fish and chips
SRP $38
This wine sold out in a flash but the winery still has some in its library stash. Contact the winery to get some ordered or add it to your shopping list for when the next vintage is released.
Be sure to check out the links below for other Pacific Northwest Sauvignon blanc producers.
Click here if you haven’t yet read my Why Wine? interview with Spencer Spetnagel
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About the Author: Michele Francisco
