Dancing Crow Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- A longer than normal summer allowed for a harvest to be delayed a week longer than normal. The extended hang time enhanced texture and flavor development, while the cooling “coastal effect” preserved the subtlety of aroma that is often lost in warmer vintages.
- The Dancing Crow Vineyard sits at 1400 ft. elevation near the base of Mount Konocti on the western shore of Clear Lake in Northern California’s Lake County.
- The vineyard’s soil is a dark, dense, volcanic clay loam. During the summer months the vines are able to recover in the evening due to coastal breezes pulled across the Mayacamas mountain range by the vast size of Clear Lake.
- This unique combination of elevation, energetic clay soil, and hot days & cool nights produces ideal conditions for a true expression of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal.
- Estate grown and bottled
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: Winemakers David and Katharine DeSante were especially pleased with the final product after two yeast strains (NT116 “le packet blue” & VL3 Denis Dubourdieu) were employed and the cold fermentation and lees stirring were brought through to completion. The wine then ages for 6 months in stainless steel.
Tasting Notes: Floral lemon blossom aromas are married to fresh cut Bartlett pear in the glass. The palate has a bright, yet smooth texture, with flavors of yellow nectarine, green apple, fresh thyme and mandarin peel that enliven the palate, followed by a lengthy full-flavored finish.
PRESS
2017 – 90 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
One cool, Spring day in the shadow of Mt. Konocti, a family came to lay out their vineyard using straw to mark the vines. While feasting during their midday lunch they saw a murder of crows dancing around the straw, which made them laugh. Yet, when they looked again, the crows and the straw were gone. The family learned two things that day: be wary of dancing crows, and what to name their vineyard.
Having co-founded Cartlidge & Brown in 1980, Tony Cartlidge had been in the wine industry for over 30 years when in 2011, Tony sold his share of the winery. Not content to rest on his laurels, Tony had a desire to get back into the business he loved, but this time, with his family.
Tony had been a big fan of Dancing Crow Vineyards for quite some time, ever since his previous winery began purchasing Sauvignon Blanc grapes from there. The owners at that time, Maile Field and Lars Craal, have had that winery in their family since the 1850’s. When they looked into selling the vineyard, there was one person who kept coming to mind, Tony Cartlidge. Once Tony knew it was for sale, he jumped at the opportunity to purchase his own vineyard. In 2014, Tony and his wife purchased this historic 36 acre vineyard site. With his sons and wife in tow, this winery is truly a family affair.