Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Anderson Valley 2004 Reviews

This 2004 from Greenwood Ridge in Northern California's Anderson Valley reoriented my position and growing immunity to Sauvignon Blanc, it was as though this crisp white was laced with Love Potion #9—I was totally enamored with it. Yes, I know, perhaps I had too much sun out on the boat deck, spent too much time hoisting the jib, or perhaps been keelhauled one too many times, but this distinctive Sauvignon Blanc took me by a lovely surprise. What makes this one different is its blending with Semillon, 21% of it. The Semillon brings in other characteristics that are unfamiliar to the average run-of-the-mill Sauvignon Blanc.

Usually this singular grape varietal is crisp with green apples and citrus, and then complemented with herbal, flinty minerals, and grassy notes to underline its character. The Semillon adds femininity, with melon and floral attributes and some other oddball but seductive bits. Even through the salty air, I could whiff the wine's bright citrus, melon, wild meadow aromas, and some honeysuckle blossoms. The rich palate formed in traditional Sauvignon Blanc style with lemon-grapefruit brightness, granite minerals, and turning round with buttery vanilla and again with honeydew melon, apricots, and fragrant honeysuckle. There was a second gulp of aftertaste that I don't normally associate with this white, showing more depth than usual. I almost didn’t think it was a Sauvignon Blanc. Then again, I was on a boat in the sun…with a little more sunscreen, who knows what I might taste?