Andrew Peller alum Mary McDermott’s remarkably expressive work with Sauvignon Blanc begins in the southern Okanagan Valley of British Columbia at Blue Terrace Vineyard near the town of Oliver. She made this pick at 22 Brix on Sept. 22. (Harvest for the two lots for her regular Sauvignon Blanc program came a week before and a week later.) For this reserve, she managed seven months of fermentation in French oak barrels. And yet, she managed to preserve the classic Sauv Blanc nose of gooseberry, Key lime and lychee. Two of the barrels were new, and she stirred the lees inside all 14 barrels each week to create the fascinating weight and mouth feel that deliciously mimics baked gooseberry pie with delicate touches of rosewater, salinity and yellow grapefruit. This marks her second “Outstanding!” work with Sauvignon Blanc in the past three vintages. Suggested pairings include shellfish or grilled prawns.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 348 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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