Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc 2014

Ferrari Carano Sustainable Vineyards

Ferrari Carano Vineyards GREAT WINE BEGINS IN THE VINEYARD

The fact that the winery's name incorporates the word "Vineyards" is a deliberate way to  empha-size that grape source and terroirplay important roles in the final product. From a small, 30-acre plot of grapes purchased in 1979, to today's 19 estate vineyards in six different appellations totaling over 1,500 acres, Ferrari-Carano owns some of the finest wine growing properties in all of California.

Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc 2014 It is always obligatory when I taste or drink Ferrari-Carano's Fumé Blancs to reference my mother. This was her favorite wine, and it was the only one where, with prodding, we could get enough in her to become euphoric. Why she liked it so much I never can be sure, but certainly every time I have had it, I can understand its popularity. It basically says one thing, "I am delicious." In many ways, there is no need for a wine critic or any wine jargon if a wine can make that point quickly. In any event, the 2014 Fumé Blanc has a delightful, rather compelling, big sweet kiss of caramelized citrus, melons, a touch of peach and tropical fruits. Whatever French oak they use seems pushed way to the background, and the wine is exuberantly fruity, even effusive, with good acidity and always has stunning purity of character. This is a beauty, and with respect to my mother, she had it right. Drink this in its first year or so of life.  90 Points eRobetParker.com #223

Peter Yealand Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Founder and owner Peter Yealands and winemaker Tamra Kelly-Washington in the Seaview Vineyard.

How New Zealand's Peter Yealnads Winery is a Champion of Sustainability When Peter Yealands climbed up the crest of Seaview and looked out at the rugged,wind-blown landscape, he knew he had stumbled upon one of the best vineyard sites in New Zealand. "I immediately fell in love and never looked back," he recalls. Inspired by a vision, he acquired the property, climbed aboard a bulldozer and worked day and night to re-contour the land, filling ravines, smoothing gullies and terracing hills. Yealands transformed the scrappy pastoral land into a 1,000-hectare (2,500-acre) vineyard comprised of 133 blocks-the largest privately-owned vineyard in New Zealand. He then built one of the most eco-friendly winery operations in the world, Yealands Family Wines-the sixth largest wine producer in New Zealand and a global champion of sustainable viticulture. Unlike the often bombastic nature of many New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, Yealands wines are markedly more subtle in character, distinctly elegant and focused, distinguished by a profound purity of texture, flavor and vein of minerality-imaginecrystalized liquid subsequently melted back into wine. Yealands explains: "By working in harmony with nature, we achieve great tasting wines-wines that express terroir but don't cost the earth. At Yealands we aim to leave the land better than we found it. Hence, our motto: Think Boldly, Tread Lightly-and never say it can't be done." The Somm Journal

Peter Yealand Sauvignon Blanc 2014   Zingy and wonderfully aromatic with pleasant notes of passionfruit and guava, overlaid with high-toned aromas of fresh cut grass and herbs. Mouth filling and balanced with a long, almost savory mineral finish. The Somm Journal, April/May 2016

Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard 2015

CRAGGY RANGE VIEWS HIGH-LEVEL SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES AS SIMPLY GOOD FARMING OR WINE-MAKING

TE MUNA ROAD VINEYARD The Te Muna Road Vineyard is located roughly five miles from the center of the town of Martinborough, and is divided into two terraces. The upper terrace lies entirely on the old, stony, decomposing Martinborough terrace soils that have become famous for Pinot Noir. As might be expected, this terrace is planted primarily to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on proven rootstocks and, where possible, in new clones from Burgundy. The lower terrace is geologically distinct, dominated by greywacke stones interspersed with a little limestone, and is planted almost entirely to Sauvignon Blanc.

Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard 2015   The higher-elevation Te Muna Road Vineyard is harvested about a week later than sites in nearby Martinborough. The grapes have greater freshness and acidity. The vineyard's lower terrace has stony soils with limestone, excellent for Sauvignon Blanc. White wines from this vineyard show a distinctive fine, subtle and elegant texture. TASTING NOTES: Pale straw color with a green hue. Lovely aromas of citrus blossom, lime, jasmine and the faintest hint of fresh honey. Subtle flavors of fresh lime and grapefruit are balanced with a fine chalky texture that is reminiscent of the stones and limestone within the vineyard. Finishes dry, fresh and long. FOOD PAIRING: This wine will pair well with aperitifs, seafood and poultry.