2017 Ledson Winery Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
This wine normally makes my list of “Best of Year California Wines Tasted” but with the Covid-19 issues, I unfortunately did not visit Ledson Winery nor happen to open a bottle out of my cellar. On New Year’s Day, I did take a bottle of this to dinner at a friend’s house. As soon as it was opened I remembered why it made the list for the last 3 years!
On the eyes, a beautiful golden color with a mid-heavy viscosity (odd for a Sauvignon Blanc). On the nose, aromas of pineapple were dominate with guava and papaya following closely behind. On the palate, a unique soft citrus taste challenged the pineapple. In the mouth it was perhaps the most robust and mouth filling Sauvignon Blanc tasted in recent memory. It was also unique in tasting somewhere between New Zealand and the United States style Sauvignon Blanc on flavors. On the finish, it was medium length with a clean crispness, dry and yet exotic tropical fruits abounded.
Paired with a spicy shrimp and baked cod, this provided a wonderful pairing. The wine has received 93 points and a Gold Medal from the 2019 American Fine Wine Invitational and 90 points and a Gold Medal from the 2019 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Group.
It will once again get mentioned in the 2021 Best California Wines Tasted list at the end of this year!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 