Description
The Edna Valley is the single coolest AVA in all of California as proven by a Southern Oregon University ten-year climatic study of every region in California. However, just about all Sauvignon Blanc in California is grown in a warm climate. Thus cool climate Sauvignon Blanc is rare in here, yet it’s the norm for the greatest Sauvignon Blanc in the world (think Sancerre and Marlborough). Cadre sits at the forefront of leading the cool climate Sauvignon Blanc as its vineyards are situated just five miles from the Pacific Ocean. All farming is SIP Certified Sustainable.
The quenching acidity, complex aromatic nuances, and zesty citrus-lime fruit of this 2024 rendition remind me of the Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc from Martinborough off the southern coast of New Zealand’s north island.
Stone Blossom combines Clone 1, Musqué, and ENTAV Clone 530, originally from the Loire Valley. We continue to source from the Salaal Vineyard in the heart of the Edna Valley, incorporating both Clone 1 and Musqué, which brings a lifted floral element to the blend. At Paragon Vineyard, we remain focused on Clone 530, planted on the north side in iron rich volcanic soils. This block ripens early and naturally shows lower pyrazines than Clone 1, delivering purity and balance. New this year are two additional vineyard blocks from our home Paragon ranch, both planted to Clone 1. These new sites add depth and complexity while helping to shape the future direction of our Sauvignon Blanc program. This wine reflects a distinctly coastal cool climate expression, zesty, aromatic, and full of energy. It is a fresh perspective on California Sauvignon Blanc, built on nuance, freshness, and place.
The 2024 is 100% Sauvignon Blanc with the fermentation taking place in stainless steel tank and aged on its lees. There is no malolactic implemented. Alcohol is 14.2%.
The wine demonstrates a great mix of flinty citrus and spicy herbaceous aromatics. Ripe passionfruit compliments hints of fennel and coriander. In the background, minerality is present as well as hints of green apple, cucumber and exotic spice. On the palate imagine lime “pop rocks” exploding with freshness and energy. But there is also beautiful texture and complex flavors of citrus, kiwi, melon and summer yellow orchard fruit, all brightened by saline acidity.
“Vivid and unrelenting aromas of grass, lime, passionfruit and flint make for a fascinating nose on this bottling. The palate zips with penetrating acidity yet retains decent weight, offering flavors of lime juice and peel.” 94 points Wine Enthusiast— Matt Kettmann