2006 Sauvignon Blanc
Casey's Block,
Mendocino County
Alcohol 13.8%  |  Total acidity .77  |  pH 3.17
600 Cases Produced

Wine Notes [PDF]

Tasting Notes | Stainless steel fermentation gives this wine a refreshing crisp, cleanness that enhances light citrus, melon and kiwi flavors. The generous fruit is supported by the acidic structure and the impressive mouthfeel. An elegant wine, enjoy with grilled prawns, asparagus with sea salt and fresh pepper or light salads.

Vineyard | This certified-Biodynamic vineyard stretches alongside the Russian River in Mendocino County, where the cool nights and warm afternoon sun bring Sauvignon Blanc grapes to perfect ripeness. We name this wine “Casey’s Block” in honor of our longtime and dear friend Casey Burke. A fellow devotee to Biodynamic farming, Casey taught us a great deal about this method of natural winegrowing. We dedicate this first vintage of Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc to his memory.

Vintage | The 2006 vintage was truly a year won in the vineyard. A heat spike that lasted a record 10 days in July had growers nervous about sunburn on the ripening grapes. Then came the rains, which sent us rushing to leaf the vines, allowing sunshine and air to reach the clusters. Botrytis was a threat for a time, especially to Chardonnay. But late October saw a change in the weather and a change in our expectations for the vintage. The rains stopped and the climate warmed, giving grapes the time on the vines needed to reach full maturation. Overall, it was a late harvest of excellent quality fruit.

Winemaking | 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 in stainless, then stored in additional tanks until bottling in March of 2007. The result is a wine that sparkles with incredible clarity and crispness.

Benziger Farming Practices | At Benziger Family Winery, we are dedicated to winemaking that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage in certified-sustainable, -organically grown and -Biodynamic® wines defined by individuality and the passion of the people who make them. Through our commitment to natural farming and environmentally and socially responsible business practices, we strive for sustainability and the preservation of our Sonoma Mountain family winery for generations to come.