The 2012 Coppola Director’s Cut Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from a long term contracted grower in the Alexander Valley sub-AVA of Sonoma County, California. The Alexander Valley (the Russian River flows thru the center of the valley) is, during the day, one of the warmest grape growing areas in Northern California, but very cool nights and morning fog help balance the warm temperatures. Coppola’s Director’s Cut line of wines are AVA specific and these are the wines that the winemaker has a free hand in producing a bottle that reflect his personal style. The 2012 vintage in California and Northern California particularly, was exceptional, if you have a choice always grab the 2012. This Sauvignon Blanc was fermented and aged in stainless steel, no oak is used. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a pale wheat yellow. The nose is tropical fruit and flowers with a little spice drop candy. This is a bright, fruit forward, but balanced Sauv Blanc. It tastes of pineapple, lemon, melon, lime juice and citrus zest. The mid palate adds in a soft touch of mineral water, peach and dried apricot. There is a solid dose of acidity on display (this Sauv Blanc will do well with food) but there is enough fruit and citrus to keep it nicely balanced. The finish is vibrant and lengthy.
The Coppola Director’s Cut Alexander Valley Sauvignon is fruit (& citrus) forward and extremely tasty, while showing wonderful balance. This is not a showy, flashy wine, what is good about the Director’s Cut is the subtle details, the mix of flavors, the length and balance of the acidity. It is not all that similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, there is no grassy flavor or peaks of citrus, it is mellower than the New Zealand stuff (though I wouldn’t call this a mellow wine), not as crisp, but with more overall balance. This is a good tasting Sauvignon Blanc, you do not need food to enjoy it, but if you are looking for a pairing, spicy shrimp or dungeness crab, or maybe antipasto would do well.
