Visiting Fairview Cellars when owner Bill Eggert is tasting samples for blending is a real treat. On this occasion, the components of what will become the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc was scattered across the bar in various bottles. There were Sauvignon Blanc samples from 3 different vineyards, different barrels, and stainless steel tanks along with Semillon fresh from 3 months in the barrel that will make up a small portion of the final blend.
A trial blend containing 93% Sauvignon Blanc (20% barrel fermented) and 7% Semillon (100% barrel fermented) yielded a round, bright wine with aromas of green apples, lime zest, minerals and sagebrush. Why ferment a portion in barrels? “It gives fullness,” explains Eggert. “It’s the compromise between making a food wine and a sipping wine”. Available May 1.
Three wines are set for release in March, including the 2012 Pinot Noir, a juicy, earthy wine with a long, silky finish, and the 2012 Merlot M2, a rich style that shows tons of plums, dark cherries, and baking spices. Anchoring the new releases is the 2012 Cabernet Franc. “This is the best Cab Franc I’ve ever made,” says Eggert, who has promoted the Cabernet Franc up to the black label Premier Series to show his pride with this particular vintage.
Standby for news of the new 2010 Iconoclast this year…maybe.
~ Luke Whittall