Thursday, July 12, 2012

Concannon "Selected Vineyards" Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Concannon

Concannon "Selected Vineyards" Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (98%), Riesling (2%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: June 2012
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw in color with silver highlights, this wine has aromas of lemongrass and sweet bell pepper with citrus zest and vegetal (asparagus) notes. Light-bodied on the palate with a very slight creamy texture, the flavors are similar to the nose, with a somewhat more pronounced tart citrus character. The finish is very clean, adds some minerality, and is of moderate length.

Our rating: There are several interesting aspects to this wine. It's tart yet not quite crisp. There is considerable depth to the flavors yet they seem light, almost airy. These aren't negative qualities by any means; the complexity exhibited here is rather difficult to describe in simple terms. And yet it's not quite harmonious, though it's hard to pin down exactly why. We think this wine would pair well with most seafood dishes; we would lean more towards fish fillets or steaks than shellfish. We previously rated the Concannon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Average; we rate the present wine a bit better, Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: This wine has a brilliant straw hue with notes of gooseberry. The palate is slightly tropical with a good depth of fruit. Cool stainless steel fermentation keeps the flavors bright and lively, and the medium body is slightly rounded in feel, leading to a crisp finish.

Winery website: Concannon Vineyards.

No comments:

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...