The 2011 Pepi California Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from vineyards in the Lake County AVA (north of Napa) and the Clarksburg AVA (near the San Francisco Bay, if you see California on the front label of a wine bottle there is a good chance some of the grapes came from Clarksburg, since most of the grapes grown here are sent to other AVA’s to be made into wine). Pepi is a brand owned by O’Neill Vintners and Distillers, who provide grapes, bulk wine, custom labels along with brandy and spirits, they also produce Tin Roof, Camelot and Allegro wines. This is a simply made wine made from grapes grown in a cool climate that offers a long growing season and allows the grapes to fully develop. The alcohol content is 12.6%.
The color is almost clear, just a hint of golden yellow, with an even fainter green tint. The nose is tropical fruit, slightly grassy, with green pepper and grapefruit. This Sauvignon Blanc has a substantial mouthfeel for a light bodied wine and very balanced acidity. It tastes of unsweetened pineapple, lime from a gin and tonic, melon and grapefruit. The mid palate shows a soft hit of minerality, tart lemon, kiwi and dried pineapple chunks. The acidity is firm, but balanced, this is a Sauv Blanc that will do well with food. The finish is vibrant and lengthy.
The Pepi Sauvignon Blanc is a worthy little Sauv Blanc, it is interesting, tasty, drinks well and would enhance a meal. I found it selling for $6.99, I think they were making room for the 2012 vintage (which by the way is 13.6% alcohol, maybe a little brighter and fuller than the 2011, I will get back to you on that one), but should be found for around $9. It is crisp, clean and would pair well with cold fried chicken and has the acidity and flavor to handle spicy Thai or Caribbean seafood. Or just drink it, it’s a tasty little Sauv Blanc.
