August 23, 2013 - Not a bad wine, but not my cup of tea. Fruity and somewhat unbalanced.
May 18, 2013 - Don't drink this ice cold, and allow it to warm for 45-60 minutes.
The flavors really come out as the wine warms.
October 16, 2012 - Heavy-styled sauv blanc. If you like oak, this is a good match for you. For this style, I give it a 91, but if you like the more citrus-focused and higher acid, stay away. I'd call this a "winter" sauvignon blanc based on its weight.
June 21, 2012 - Strong oaky, fruit filled aroma. Needs decanted and then excellent!
June 11, 2012 - Best Sauv Blanc I've ever had. This is a heavy, heavy Sauv Blanc. If you're a white wine fan, you'll probably rate this mid-to-high 80's. This wine is a pop and pour genius that shows the complexity that such an otherwise very simple wine can have when aged and fermented in concrete eggs. Out of the bottle this is a full bodied, citrus-filled, buttery monster that will complement anything it's served with or stand alone. This wine has a lot of grapefruit and kiwi up front, nice buttery backbone. Lemon type of mid-palate that gives way to that concrete egg complexity and spiciness that leaves you wanting more on the finish. Preordered a case of 2011 two days ago. Amazing wine, amazing price point for what it gives you. Disagree with other reviewers - - this one will change your latitude on what you can really expect out of a Sauv Blanc.
June 9, 2012 - nose: yeasty, tropical, pineapple, pear, minerality, wet stone and steel
palate: pineapple, pear, apple, with herb on the finish
lively and crisp. really beautiful, similar to a NZ but much more complex, softer, and integrated
June 9, 2012 - Citrus and tropical fruit on the nose, with some floral notes and grapefruit at the end. Lots of grapefruit on the palate, with citrus and tropical fruit on the mid-palate, and a good floral finish.
April 29, 2012 - The bottle is more interesting than the contents. A very restrained sauvignon blanc, and way over priced.
April 1, 2012 - Wally's California All-Stars 2012
Hint of cat pee here. Merry Edwards kills this all day long. Decent price, if you like cat pee and a light finish.
November 24, 2011 - The Illumination is aromatic, with melon and grapefruit aromas notes. Once tasted, Illumination revealed grapefruit and lemon flavors with a long finish that exhibits the vibrant fruit with a touch of minerality. Excellent!