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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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!
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8/23/2013 - blakel Does not like this wine: 88 Points
Not a bad wine, but not my cup of tea. Fruity and somewhat unbalanced.
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5/18/2013 - saki846 Likes this wine:
Don't drink this ice cold, and allow it to warm for 45-60 minutes.
The flavors really come out as the wine warms.
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10/16/2012 - jrkennedy37 wrote: 91 Points
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.
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6/21/2012 - Ziegler wrote:
Strong oaky, fruit filled aroma. Needs decanted and then excellent!
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6/11/2012 - mflesh wrote: 91 Points
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.
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6/9/2012 - ihavezinned wrote: 92 Points
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
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6/9/2012 - mmurry Likes this wine: 89 Points
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.
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4/29/2012 - jrt wrote:
The bottle is more interesting than the contents. A very restrained sauvignon blanc, and way over priced.
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4/1/2012 - tp096255 wrote: 88 Points
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.
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11/24/2011 - gilberto57 Likes this wine: 90 Points
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!
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10/29/2011 - 1800kidney wrote: 88 Points
Napa Experience; October 29 2011 (Rutherford, Yountville, Napa): generic sauvignon blanc, solidly made but not much to recommended it...flabby
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6/29/2011 - mklasing wrote: 91 Points
Very delicate taste--soft flavors but amazing finish. Highly recommend.
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