2020 Pellegrini Sauvignon Blanc R.R.V.
Russian River Valley
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Vineyard Designation
Nakai Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 11, 2020
Acid
6.75 g/L
pH
3.06
Aging
6 months aging, 65% in tank, 35% in French oak, one of which is new Acacia
Bottling Date
May 19, 2021
Alcohol %
13.7
Wine Enthusiast
92
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Vineyard Designation
Nakai Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 11, 2020
Acid
6.75 g/L
pH
3.06
Aging
6 months aging, 65% in tank, 35% in French oak, one of which is new Acacia
Bottling Date
May 19, 2021
Alcohol %
13.7
Wine Enthusiast
92
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The 2020 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc beams with a nose full of guava, passion fruit, kiwi, pink grapefruit, and fresh-cut grass. On the tongue, pineapple, pink lady apples, and honeydew melon are prominent. Its grippy acid brings about an aura of yuzu zest, with hints of a walnut found on the finish.
Vineyard Notes
Nakai Vineyard is located 2 miles east of our winery in the Santa Rosa Plains sub-AVA of Russian River Valley. Planted in 1979, this 20-acre vineyard grows four rows of Sauvignon Blanc, all allocated to Pellegrini. Much like our Olivet Lane Estate, Nakai Vineyard sits on Huichica soil. This rocky and clay-rich soil dominates the Santa Rosa Plains region and lowers the need for regular irrigation, making it an ideal soil type to draw out the tropical characteristics in the Sauvignon Blanc grape. Late summer in the vineyard a heavy leaf removal provides more sun exposure for clusters, which increased tropical fruit flavor development as well.
Production Notes
The stainless portion was fermented at a warmer than usual 62 degrees, allowing for the fortification of tropical flavors. Barrels for this blend were selected to encourage long texture to balance the wine‘s strong acid, while also offering just a light wisp of smokiness to complement the fruit flavors. For the first time in 2020, we utilized an Acacia barrel, which lends tremendous texture, and a pleasant green character that compliments Sauvignon Blanc beautifully. Barrels are stirred every two weeks through December to encourage texture development.
Winemaker Notes
Few wines are as rewarding to make as Sauvignon Blanc. From the day it is pressed to the day it is bottled, the varietal carries an immense aroma. Once harvested, the grapes were gently pressed with a champagne-style press cycle to limit bitter phenolics releasing into the juice.
Food Pairing Notes
Grilled shrimp with lemon and herbs, pad Thai.