Table of Contents
The Angeline California Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2021 is a wine I found on sale for $7.99 (Binny’s Chicago area), this vintage received 92 points from James Suckling, the leading wine reviewer. Angeline is an affordable line of wines from Martin Ray Winery (family owned since 1990) a high-end winery located in the Russian River AVA of Sonoma.
The winery did not list the AVAs where the grapes were grown (Angeline also has a Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc), but they did mention that the different vineyard lots were fermented separately and then blended to taste.
The grapes were pressed whole-cluster, which is where the stems and twigs are placed in the press along with the grapes. It is a technique used often with expensive Pinot Noir and is thought to add to the flavor and structure of the wine. It can also soften the acidity of a wine.
The Angeline California Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2021 was fermented with native yeast. That is where the natural yeast that floats in the air and/or clings to the grape skins are used to ferment the wine. Natural yeast is thought to be a better pairing for grapes than commercial yeast.
This Sauv Blanc was fermented and aged in stainless steel vats and is a young wine. Young wines are typically better sooner rather than later so it is a good idea to choose the newest vintage. The alcohol content is a mild 12.5%.
The Angeline California Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2021 Tasting Notes
The color is barely there wheat yellow. The nose is bright and fresh, I had my glass on a table 18 inches away and I could smell this wine. There are scents of pineapple, lawn grass, peach, lemon, apple, and a hint of interesting spice, tropical fruit, lime, and a bouquet of flowers. The Angeline California Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2021 is a bright, fresh, and juicy Sauvignon Blanc with both familiar and interesting flavors.
This Sauvignon Blanc tastes like dried pineapple, a sharp slap of lime, green apple, ripe pear, lemon, and spice. The mid-palate offers tangerine (subdued), a little stone fruit, guava, and peach. This is a sleek, lean Sauv Blanc with well-balanced acidity. An excellent summer sipper.
The Summary
- The Angeline California Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2021 I rarely agree when a top wine reviewer gives a wine this or that amount of points, but I can see exactly why this Sauv Blanc got 92 points.
- It is more French in style than New Zealand.
- This wine drinks above its price point.
