Located in the center of the Russian River Valley, Auber is a vineyard famous for its Chardonnay. It has been attracting attention in recent years for its precious Sauvignon Blanc, which is produced in very small quantities from vines over 35 years old. Fermented and aged in French barrels (32% new barrels) and small stainless steel barrels. The wine has a gorgeous and exciting nuance of peach, pink grapefruit, dried pineapple, fig, lime peel, and more that spreads in the mouth. The aroma from the barrels blends into the wine, leaving an impressive powerful and rich mouthfeel.
Technical information
Vinification: Gentle pressing of whole bunches, fermentation and ageing in French barrels (32% new) and small stainless steel barrels, partial malolactic fermentation
Production: 291 cases
Tasting Comments
It begins with a startlingly fresh aroma of pink grapefruit and kaffir lime, followed by exotic and complex nuances of ripe melon, mango, Thai basil, almond, hazelnut, earthy minerals, and more.
In the mouth, rich flavors of orange blossom and honey spread, supported by beautiful acidity, making this a lively and bright wine.
It has aging potential of 4-6 years or more.
Jeb Dunnuck 97P (Oct 3, 2022): "I was blown away when I tasted it. One of the best Sauvignon Blancs to come out of California."
Field Information
Ritchie Vineyard
A vineyard famous for its Chardonnay, from which Auber sourced his Chardonnay.
The vineyards are planted with small plots of Sauvignon Blanc vines over 35 years old on sandy Gold Ridge soils.
Bibiana Gonzalez-Leve and Jeff Pisoni were eager to obtain Sauvignon Blanc from this plot and were successful in procuring it with the Shared Notes Master's Teachings 2020 Vin.
Pratt Vineyards
The vineyard is also attracting attention as a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard, with wine critic Jeb Dunnuck describing Crescia's Sauvignon Blanc as "the finest produced in California."
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Northern Sonoma
Nested AVAs: Russian River Valley
Vineyard: Ritchie Vineyard
Note: Jeb Dunnuck 97P
Winemaker: Philippe Melka
Winemaking: Fermentation in French barrels (32% new barrels) and small stainless steel tanks, with some MLF fermentation.
Aging: Same, aging.
Soil: Gold Ridge
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.4%