2004 Benziger Sauvignon Blanc, Shone Farm Vineyard, Russian River Valley
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Vintage
2004
Price
$22
Case Production
755 cases
Release Date
May 2005
Availability
Only at the Winery
Vineyard
Shone Farm
Appellation
Russian River Valley
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Vineyard
For over ten years, Shone Farm has consistently performed beyond our expectations which makes Winemaker Terry Nolan doubly pleased to finally produce a single vineyard wine from this location. With its close proximity to the Russian River, the cool vineyard sits as a benchland island high above the coastal fog, allowing the fruit to mature late into the season producing an acid backbone that frames the ripe, deep citrus and sweet grapefruit flavors.
Vinification
The grapes were taken to the winery early in the morning under cool conditions to preserve the perfect quality of the fruit. After whole cluster pressing, the free run juice was settled and cold tank fermented for 28 days in stainless, then stored in additional tanks until bottling in February. The result is a wine that sparkles with incredible clarity and crispness. Alcohol 14.5%, Total acidity .57, pH 3.48, Residual sugar .05%.
Vintage
The amount of rainfall, though early, was normal. Dry weather reigned from March, the warmest March on record, to October. The warm weather jump-started the growing season, making farmers nervous. Things did cool down for spring extending bloom. Summer was moderate without any heat waves, but it was humid raising concerns of mildew. By the end of July it was evident that an early harvest was upon us. We began picking our Sauvignon Blanc on August 13th, the earliest ever, and had brought in about 15% of the total crop by the end of August when it got hot and dry. High temperatures are not unusual in late summer and early fall but humidity under 20% is very unusual. In fact the average low humidity over the previous five years didn't go below 30%. Extended periods of hot, dry weather are difficult for a grapevine to endure. With almost two weeks of 10 - 20% humidity in late August and September, mildew was now the least of concerns! Grape sugar was soaring before flavors had matured; our growers did a great job sustaining vineyards until flavors developed. By the end of September we were evaluating an outstanding vintage. 2004 is a vintage of ripe and well-developed flavors with the best overall quality in years.
Tasting Notes
The grassy notes combine beautifully with the floral citrus flavors. The generous fruit is supported by the acidic structure and the impressive mouthfeel. The brightness of the wine is revealed in every sip. Enjoy with crisp vinaigrettes, white fish, or fresh fruit.
Terry Nolan, Winemaker