Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyards

One of my first loves in California wine was Napa Sauvignon Blanc. Today I can’t afford most of the bottlings I fell in love with back then, and many of the labels I can afford have become California-appellation wines of less than no distinction. Sauvignon Blanc is highly responsive to where and how it’s grown, so I’m still looking for SBs that combine a good site, good viticulture, and a good price. This may qualify, as it comes from a smallish valley near the southeast end of Napa Valley. Good marine effects from the Petaluma Gap and San Francisco Bay, plenty of warmth, and enough soil to support Sauvignon’s appetite for water. Just $12.

The aromas are certainly expressive of something beyond a well-chosen yeast and good barrels. I found cilantro, pear juice, celery juice and cat pee along with the melon flavors, in one of those synergistic combos that smells way better than it sounds. The best thing was the wine’s entry, which was instantly supple, refreshing and juicy – first impressions are so important with white wine, especially when you drink them as aperitifs. The final impression was also pretty good, because the wine keeps its fruit aloft long into the aftertaste. If you try it, tell me what you think.

Reviewed November 15, 2006 by Thom Elkjer.