Laurel Glen - Sauvignon Blanc Blanc Slate 2021

We wanted to offer a refreshing alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon (especially after the Rosé runs out.) When Randall and Bettina started discussing this idea, Randall was reminded of an old vine vineyard planted entirely to white grapes he had recently noticed in Russian River. It turned out to be a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard planted in 1976 and quite possibly the oldest Sauvignon Blanc grapes in Sonoma County. Intrigued, we bought a very small amount of grapes from Hopkins River Ranch in 2014 and were so impressed by the results, we’ve been making a few hundred cases every year since. The vines produce very small berries, which we whole cluster press to preserve maximum freshness and then ferment slowly at a low temperature in small stainless steel tanks. The long cool fermentation preserves the freshness but also gives the wine an unexpected richness. Who knew coming up with an original name for a wine could be so difficult? The label is our homage to the extensive brainstorming it took (over at least one bottle of wine) to develop a name that matched the quality in the bottle.

The Laurel Glen Blanc Slate Sauvignon Blanc seduces with tropical aromas of kiwi and lemons. There is a beautiful richness in the mouth flavored with lychee nut and grapefruit, offset by a bright, mouthwatering acidity that leaves you looking forward to another sip. Aromas of cut grass, wet stone and Myer Lemon zest. The wine is surprisingly round and full bodied, tempered by a clean, crisp finish with subtle overtones of grapefruit peel.