Dancing Crow Vineyards 2022 'Farmer's Cuvee' Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County
Item Number: 18867
UPC: 0-850036093039
Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Lake County
Appellation/AVA: Lake County
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2022
Grape(s): 96% Sauvignon / 4% Semillon
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Screw Cap
Alc by Vol(%): 12
Total Acidity: 6.9 g/L
pH: 3.5
Soil Type: Clay, gravel, and alluvial loam
Elevation: 1,400 feet
Vineyard Notes: Grapes for the Dancing Crow Farmer's Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc come from Tony Cartlidge's favorite 7 rows in the Dancing Crow Vineyard, those closest to Mt. Konocti. The grapes are harvested at around 1400 feet elevation on the western shore of Clear Lake in Northern California’s beautiful Lake County. Over thousands of years, runoff from the Mayacamas Mountains settled in this area near the shores of Clear Lake, creating vineyards with a nutrient-rich mix of clay, gravel, and alluvial loams. In the summer months, the mountain climate of Lake County sees hot daytime temperatures; yet the vines can recover from the heat of the day, and respire at night, due to cool coastal breezes pulled in during the evening by the vast size of Clear Lake. This unique combination of elevation, nutrient-rich soil, and diurnal temperature swings produces ideal conditions for a true expression of Sauvignon Blanc at 12% alcohol.
Vintage Notes: The 2022 vintage in Lake County exhibited great fruit quality with wines exuding vibrant, flavorful fruit characteristics. The growing season started off with cool temperatures and a bit of rain in spring, and throughout the growing season, temperatures remained cooler overall – more in line with the “normal” weather patterns of the past. Harvest began a few weeks later than the previous few years, but then moved rapidly due to some hot days in September. However, Dancing Crow picked before the heat spell, and fortunately Lake County grapes deal with heat well due to their more resilient, high-altitude skins. There were a few cool days around mid-September and a little rain, but fruit flavors had already developed, and many lots were harvested at slightly lower Brix levels. Overall, crop size was larger than usual with the quality of fruit being on par with last year’s outstanding vintage.
Winemaking Notes: The grapes are pressed and undergo cold fermentation. Lees stirring enhances the texture and accentuates innate aromas. The wine is given a bit more oxygen contact to broaden the palate, and more lees contact to expand mouthfeel while amplifying floral and fruit aromatics. A small amount of Semillon is added to enhance a subtle richness on the palate. Some of the wine is aged in neutral oak barrels. In the style of Sancerre, Dancing Crow's winemaking focuses on highlighting the bright, aromatic side of Sauvignon Blanc, focusing on the grape’s citrus, stone, and pome fruit flavors, with crisp, refreshing acidity and a hint of minerality on the finish.
Tasting Notes: Great Sauvignon Blanc is generally known for being refreshing, aromatic, and uplifting. Dancing Crow's Farmer’s Cuvée has a beautiful acidity that is invigorating, but also softly coats your mouth, easing into a place of depth and balance. The aromatics contain beautiful touches of white grapefruit, Meyer lemon, and yuzu alongside the enticing scent of jasmine and dried gardenias. On the palate it has a gracefulness that is unexpected. There is a tender richness that fills the mouth without a touch of heaviness; the fruit and floral qualities come through in a lithe framework that excite your palate without ever overwhelming it, leaving you with a beautifully lush yet vivacious experience to reminisce upon.