The 2010 Edna Valley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from grapes grown in several sections of the Paragon vineyard located in the Edna Valley AVA which is inside the San Luis Obispo County AVA which in turn is part of the Central Coast AVA in California. The Edna Valley Sauvignon Blanc can be found on the web selling for around $10. So what we have here, is a single vineyard wine that sells for the same price as “Brand” wine sourced from multiple growing areas. The Paragon Vineyard comprises 1,100 acres which is more than half of the entire Edna Valley AVA. Edna Valley Vineyard is one of E & J Gallo’s properties (they purchased it in 2011) and Gallo is now part owner of the Paragon Vineyard. 85% of this Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel vats and 15% is fermented (on lees) and aged in used French oak barrels for 4 months. “On lees” is a French wine term that means all the grape residue and yeast was left in the barrels with the wine, they impart a nutty flavor and if stirred enough can give the wine a creamy texture. The alcohol content is a stout 14.3%.
The color is a crystal clear butter yellow. The nose is tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, pineapple and apricot, Sauvignon Blanc smells like all that is good about summer. This is a fresh and juicy Sauvignon Blanc, it starts off with delicious fruit and citrus flavors and finishes with a nice sizzle from the acidity. It begins with, peach and grapefruit, a solid mix if sweet and tart, then lime, papaya and a slight touch of minerality, just that odd sensation on your tongue. The mid palate shows blood orange and Anjou pear. The acidity is balanced thru out the body of the wine, but makes it presence known on the finish as the main flavors of the wine taper off. The finish has peach and that “sizzle” and lasts until you take the next sip.
The 2010 Edna Valley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is a solid all around performer, it does everything well. A pretty color, an attractive nose, a lush mouth feel, a pleasing stew of fruit and citrus and a solid structure to keep all the parts of this wine together. It isn’t great at anything, but consistency does have its virtues. This a wonderful, inexpensive summer wine, with the structure to allow it to will pair well with dishes from spicy Asian to simple salads and the yumminess to help you chill out on a hot summers evening.
