Wine Tasting - Slow Press 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

The Basics:

• Grape Variety - Sauvignon Blanc
• Country of Origin - United States
• Region of Origin - Monterey County, California
• Vintage Year - 2016
• Price - $6.99

Wine Enthusiast Review:

"Welcoming bubblegum, key lime, grass, and cement aromas check many Sauvignon Blanc boxes in this widely available and reliable bottling.  The palate leads with decent structures, but then ripeness prevails, with peach and more bubblegum notes." (Matt Kettermann)

Wine Folly Reference (165 - 166):

The wine is a unique white wine with strong herbaceous flavors that are derived from compounds called methoxypyrazines (which are found in bell peppers).  Main flavor notes include gooseberry, honeydew, grapefruit, white peach, and passion fruit; while California wines will have tasting notes of white peach, matcha powder, lemongrass, buttered bread, and saline. 

My Review:

The wine smelled relatively fresh and buttery, along with general floral and fruity notes like rose, peach, and natural sweetness.  The grassy and buttery notes carried through onto the tasting right off the bat, and there was a stronger tannic/alcohol aftertaste.  There was a really nice orange note carrying through the tasting, along with notes of green apple, vanilla, melon, and cut grass. This wine was pleasant to drink on its own, but it really needed something to pair it with - on its own it was subtle enough to come off as borderline bland.  I wouldn't mind getting this wine again and trying it again when the temperature warms up and I can pair it with a lighter meal.