Tasting Notes: Since its inception, the Brander Vineyard has been highly acclaimed as a top Sauvignon Blanc producer, and for many years the only Brander Vineyard wine was an estate-bottled Sauvignon Blanc. Today, the focus is still Sauvignon Blanc, with one main bottling and three distinctively different reserve wines. Two of these are named for the next Brander generation: Cuvée Natalie and Cuvée Nicolas; the third Sauvignon Blanc is the multiple award-winning au Naturel. Their best Sauvignon, from selected estate grapes, and made in the classic Loire Valley style: 100% Sauvignon Blanc, no oak with no malolactic fermentation and a mineral finish. Skin contact prior to pressing contributes to the complex aromatics of lime and wild mint.

Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez, Central Coast California; Group: White wine, Sauvignon Blanc, All Wines, Santa Ynez Valley