2006 Sauvignon Blanc
MacLeod Family Vineyard,
Sonoma Valley
Alcohol 13.9%  |  Total acidity .75  |  pH 3.13
624 Cases Produced

Wine Notes [PDF]

Tasting Notes | Stainless steel fermentation gives this wine crisp, clean flavors. In flavors it is reminiscent of melon and green apple. This inaugural release of MacLeod Sauvignon Blanc has excellent balance of structure and fruit. An elegant, textured wine, enjoy alongside lemon chicken or creamy pasta.

Vineyard | The MacLeod family has grown Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma Valley for twenty seven years. Their 16 acre property has beautiful sloping hillsides and shallow, rocky soils. The northern facing slopes typically enjoy cool afternoon breezes from the Pacific Ocean.  With twenty two family members active in the business, the MacLeods have a lot in common with the Benzigers.

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, 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 steel, then stored in 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.