Washington winemaker Victor Palencia excels with Sauvignon Blanc, using the variety to win sweepstakes at two competitions this past summer under two brands. This example from Frenchman Hills Vineyards in the Columbia Basin is clean and bright with aromas and flavors of minerality, lemongrass, honeydew and fresh-cut apple. His adroit use of Hungarian oak puncheons creates a marvelous structure and beautiful balance, which carried it to the honor of best white wine at the 2015 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition — a scholarship fundraiser for the viticulture and enology program at Walla Walla Community College, Palencia’s alma mater.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 370 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Leave a Reply