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The Starpointe Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022 is a $7.99 Trader Joe’s wine produced for them by DNA Cellars from grapes grown in the Yakima Valley of Washington. DNA Cellars is located in the Russian River AVA of Sonoma County, they produce their labels and an extensive list of private labels, such as Trader Joe’s or Aldi.
Yakima Valley is in south-central Washington, they are the state’s oldest AVA and produce 1/3 of Washington’s total grape production. The Yakima River is the water source. The vineyards in the foothills have cool weather while vineyards in the basin can be very hot.
The Starpointe Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022 is 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are the grapes in Bordeaux Blanc (White wine). Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc typically accounts for about 90% of the blend with the Semillon added to soften the blend.
The Starpointe Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022 while using the Bordeaux White blend should be very different since the ratio and the growing region are very different.
While Bordeaux Blanc wines often see some oak barrel aging I doubt if the Starpointe was aged in this manner. I would guess stainless steel vats were used to maintain the bright fruit flavors and textures. The alcohol content is 12.4%.
The Starpointe Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022 Tasting Notes
The color is almost clear with a hint of gold. The nose is lemon, apple, peach, pear, lime, and tropical fruit, with a hint of cream. The Starpointe Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022 has a rounded mouth-feel and fresh, expressive flavors.
The Sauv Blanc blend tastes like apple, pear, nectarine, juicy peach, a slap of spice, and grapefruit. The mid-palate shows a creamy sensation, lemon curd, and dried pineapple.
The acidity is well-balanced and does its job well. There was a time when value-priced White wine could have too much acidity, it was common. Today it is rare to find a value-priced wine with out-of-control acidity.
The Summary
- The Starpointe Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022 is a wine that Sauvignon Blanc lovers should seek out.
- It is just different enough to not be the same old thing while sipping very well.
- This wine is a thumbs up.
