Dragonette Cellars “Happy Canyon Vineyards” Sauvignon Blanc

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$27.95 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Dragonette Cellars is another little gem that we discovered on a trip through Santa Barbara a couple of years ago.  Started by John and Steve Dragonette along with close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis, the goal was simple: make wines that they want to drink.  With a strong retail background, the three friends wanted to get away from the high-alcohol, fat, over-ripe wines and back to a pure wine with more balance and complexity.  The primary varieties they work with are sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and Rhones.  The trio also makes wine for a label called “Liquid Farm,” which you will always find stocked at Carpe Vino.  Liquid Farm produces three chardonnays that are the polar opposite of Rombauer Chardonnay.  No big butter bomb here…these are classic Burgundian style chards with mid-level alcohol levels, crisper flavors and minimal oak usage.

Though these gents make some amazing, powerful pinot noir, syrah and syrah based blends, there just isn’t a better bang for the buck then their Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Pale golden in color, the wine displays aromas of guava, honeydew, white peaches, green apple, kiwi, lemon and other citrus notes and hints of fresh pineapple, complicated by mineral notes, sea salt, white flowers, gentle fresh basil and thyme and faraway hints of fresh cut grass. On the palate the wine is medium bodied, yet substantial, as waves of fresh tropical fruits, nectarines, and melons build in the mouth before being enveloped in ripe round acidity and mineral notes of granite, and sea shells. On the finish, the wine displays a fascinating complexity, as the fruit, mineral and herbal notes intermingle and dance across the palate, ending with a slight creaminess, which still maintains freshness and balance. The wine is built for all manner of seafood and poultry dishes (especially on the grill), pastas (pesto, primavera, light cream sauces), rice dishes (paella would be a great match), cheese (esp. goat cheese) and vegetables.”

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes:  “An outstanding white, the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc offers up subtle grassy notes as well as white peach, cream and citrus blossom to go with a medium-bodied, richly textured palate that stays pure and fresh. Barrel-fermented and aged just under eight months on lees, it has notable richness, yet never seems heavy or cumbersome. Enjoy it over the coming 3 to 4 years. Drink now-2017.”

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