CALIFORNIA
SAUVIGNON BLANC
94 Kenzo Estate 2020 Asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley). This is the producer’s flagship white, made by Heidi Barrett with 4% Sémillon and aged in both oak and stainless steel. Vibrant and varietal, it shows a textured layering of anise, cotton candy and almond liqueur, with bright bursts of succulent melon and white peach. Structured and complex, it is sophisticated and substantial. —V.B.
abv: 14.2% Price: $80
94 Massican 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley). For full review see page 103.
abv: 12.7% Price: $32
93 Groth 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley). For full review see page 106.
abv: 13.9% Price: $24
93 Merry Edwards 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley). For full review see page 107.
abv: 14% Price: $45
92 Gainey 2019 Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley). Tightly wound aromas of green flowers, grass, chilled apple and lime juice are very sharp on the nose of this bottling. The palate penetrates with a sharp citrus core of lime zest, but there’s also grassy tones, altogether making for a very lively and long-lasting wine. —M.K.
abv: 13.5% Price: $24
92 Quintessa 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa County-Sonoma County). This is an impressively complex and effusive white wine, slatey and flinty, with a pleasant contrast of fruity apricot and peach. Textured, it has an earthy under carriage and considerable length. —V.B.
abv: 14% Price: $55
92 Saracina 2020 Lolonis Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Redwood Valley). For full review see page 110.
abv: 13.5% Price: $28
From estate-grown grapes that were picked in early September, this white is fruity, textured and fresh, with pithy elements of white peach and melon. Balanced acidity doesn’t detract from its lasting succulence and integrated richness. —V.B.
