Cep Hopkins Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Description

CEP Sauvignon Blanc is unique and may be easiest to understand by comparing it to other regions. It does not have the fruity sweetness found in New Zealand or the melon and gooseberry oak inflected fatness of most California Sauvignon Blanc. It is also not grassy like a typical Sancerre but there is bright acidity, mineral, citrus and green notes. Nick and Vanessa met Bob Hopkins a few years ago at an Integrated Pest Management class. As organic farmers you attend IPM classes to learn how to attract beneficial pests that will combat nasty insects in the vineyard. That way you can avoid pesticides. Nick took a shine to Bob and mentioned that his brother wanted to make crisp, minerally, zippy Sauvignon Blanc, but, of course, we cannot grow Sauvignon Blanc at our very cold estate vineyard. Bob was kind enough to offer us Sauvignon Blanc from his blocks of 40 year old vines. And the result is uniquely delicious. This is not the Bordeaux style of Sauvignon Blanc that Vanessa made when she was winemaker at Peter Michael where there is barrel aging and often Semillon in the blend. On the contrary, the grapes are picked to capture the citrus, green papaya, lemon blossom, chalky side of Sauvignon Blanc. It is tank fermented to retain acidity and freshness and bottled in the December following vintage.