Purchased direct from the winery for $18-22 (I forget). We drank this with Turning Island Salmon (baked).
On the back label, Cakebread claims this is one of their best SB's to date.....and I agree. I've only had 3 vintages of their SB and this, by far, is the most memorable.
I didn't write detailed notes, but the most striking thing about the wine is that it doesn't have the overly grapefruit tones most SB's have. We drank it at 55-60, warmer than most whites, and perhaps that helped it even more. It's creamier, less citrusy, and a perfect complement to seafood and related.
I know this is expensive SB compared to most in this class, but I have to say this is worth the coin.
This officially ousts the St. Clement Sauvignon Blanc (1999) as my favorite SB so far...
Posts: 1000 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: Dec 07, 2001
STW ... I've found that the 2001 New Zealand SB's have less of the citrusy-grapefruit tones and more pear, apple, and even cassis notes. Maybe you should try some of these young'uns and see what you think?
Seeing how I travel so frequently for work abroad, I miss alot on this forums. So, I have to ask how Blue Baron lost so many stars after only 30 posts.
Back to the tread, Cakebread makes a decent SB, but for 1/2 the price I can find better American SB, like 99 EOS.
Futronic, I apologize for littering a worthwhile thread. However, I would ask the same question of the dozen or so people who felt the need to "Pile on" in the Madder Than Hell forum.
Opened my last bottle of this for my future (10 days away) wife's 30th birthday. She loves Cakebread Whites.
Food went with a homemade pasta of toasted pinenuts, angel hair, and fresh home grown roma tomatoes, in a parmesan and butter sauce.
Tasting notes: Light golden color, aromas of mineral and grapefruit on the nose. Very vibrant mouthfeel, tart, but a refreshing acidity. Hints of flint, grapefruit, and perhaps quince on the palate. Had considered opening a chard, but this SB paired quite well with the food.
Very good SB in my opinion, giving it 88-89 RRV pts. I will stray occasionally, but that red, red vine keeps brining me back... RRV
Posts: 802 | Location: Portland, OR | Registered: Aug 19, 2002
I have no intention of dissing Cakebread, however I am a bit tired of "grapefruit" flavored Sauv Blancs, personally I prefer the ones that exhibit flavors of figs or the ones from New Zealand that quite often show intense flavors of gooseberries, ie.. Cloudy Bay from Marlborough.
Posts: 187 | Location: St. Louis Mo | Registered: Oct 02, 2002