Orin Swift Cellars
Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Star bright yellow. Slow-moving legs. White pepper and citrus rind on the inviting nose. Echoed on the very big (15.5% ABV) palate which adds green apple, underripe banana, and birch (not necessarily in that order). Acidity is a bit low for the variety, but still fully present. Overall, more of a red wine feel than a that if a traditional white wine but without the skin time. Pairing? Ignore your usual SB go-to dishes. Favor very rich and heavy "white wine" fare -- shellfish-topped salmon, swordfish, pork tenderloin, any surrounded by rich cream sauce -- or even the lighter end of "red wine" dishes like filet mignon under Béarnaise sauce. Not your typical SB. Decant and drink by 2024.
Star bright yellow. Slow-moving legs. White pepper and citrus rind on the inviting nose. Echoed on the very big (15.5% ABV) palate which adds green apple, underripe banana, and birch (not necessarily in that order). Acidity is a bit low for the variety, but still fully present. Overall, more of a red wine feel than a that if a traditional white wine but without the skin time. Pairing? Ignore your usual SB go-to dishes. Favor very rich and heavy "white wine" fare -- shellfish-topped salmon, swordfish, pork tenderloin, any surrounded by rich cream sauce -- or even the lighter end of "red wine" dishes like filet mignon under Béarnaise sauce. Not your typical SB. Decant and drink by 2024.
Aug 23rd, 2023
A blend of 95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, pale lemon color with aromas of tropical and citrus fruits with grassy notes. On the palate peach, pear and citrus flavors with flint and sweet herb notes, with balanced acidity. Medium+ finish ending with mineral and grassy notes. Nice!
A blend of 95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, pale lemon color with aromas of tropical and citrus fruits with grassy notes. On the palate peach, pear and citrus flavors with flint and sweet herb notes, with balanced acidity. Medium+ finish ending with mineral and grassy notes. Nice!
Jul 21st, 2019
Just not a fan of the Chardonnay. This SB is much better. Very much new world to me. Finishes with a creaminess to it. The acidity is for the most part erased . Would absolutely purchase this one. @Greg Ballington Want thank you for sharing this with me.
Just not a fan of the Chardonnay. This SB is much better. Very much new world to me. Finishes with a creaminess to it. The acidity is for the most part erased . Would absolutely purchase this one. @Greg Ballington Want thank you for sharing this with me.
Nov 3rd, 2017
Too much Boxwood and acid, unbalanced
Too much Boxwood and acid, unbalanced
Sep 21st, 2017
Delightful vacation white! 🤩
Delightful vacation white! 🤩
2 people found it helpfulOct 29th, 2021Bright straw gold. Very shy nose and medium light palate of baked green apple, citrus rind, candied honeysuckle (Muscat showing its strength even at 3%), and birch. Medium (not quite minus) acidity. An interesting take on Sauvignon with aromatics enhanced by Muscat, acidity tamped down by noticeable French oak, and boosted Body by Phinney™. Not for the New Zealand or Bordeaux or Loire Valley or even standard Cali Fumé Blanc crowd. It’s its own animal. Swordfish or crab cakes come immediately to mind as a pair, but try it as a replacement for your New World Chardonnay. Drink now through 2022.
Bright straw gold. Very shy nose and medium light palate of baked green apple, citrus rind, candied honeysuckle (Muscat showing its strength even at 3%), and birch. Medium (not quite minus) acidity. An interesting take on Sauvignon with aromatics enhanced by Muscat, acidity tamped down by noticeable French oak, and boosted Body by Phinney™. Not for the New Zealand or Bordeaux or Loire Valley or even standard Cali Fumé Blanc crowd. It’s its own animal. Swordfish or crab cakes come immediately to mind as a pair, but try it as a replacement for your New World Chardonnay. Drink now through 2022.
1 person found it helpfulJun 16th, 2021Tried ‘16, now ‘17 A blend of 97% Sauvignon Blanc & 3% Muscat (note: the ‘16 blend had Semillon vs Muscat), pale lemon-lime color with aromas of tropical and citrus fruits with zesty honey notes. On the palate apple, peach, pear and citrus flavors with wet stone and subtle herb notes, with gorgeous acidity. Long fresh finish ending with mineral notes. Nice! ‘17 to me is a tad better.
Tried ‘16, now ‘17 A blend of 97% Sauvignon Blanc & 3% Muscat (note: the ‘16 blend had Semillon vs Muscat), pale lemon-lime color with aromas of tropical and citrus fruits with zesty honey notes. On the palate apple, peach, pear and citrus flavors with wet stone and subtle herb notes, with gorgeous acidity. Long fresh finish ending with mineral notes. Nice! ‘17 to me is a tad better.
1 person found it helpfulJul 27th, 2019
A scrumptious Sav Blanc🍷 thanks Malisto
A scrumptious Sav Blanc🍷 thanks Malisto
1 person found it helpfulJan 1st, 2018Hint of Kiwi, Orange, and Green Apples, full bodied and delicious on its own, as well as a pairing with scallops.
Hint of Kiwi, Orange, and Green Apples, full bodied and delicious on its own, as well as a pairing with scallops.
Apr 6th, 2024Lovely Sauvignon Blanc with a great pineapple nose and strong fruit flavors combining citrus and pineapple. An excellent wine.
Lovely Sauvignon Blanc with a great pineapple nose and strong fruit flavors combining citrus and pineapple. An excellent wine.
Jul 30th, 2022