French Origins
The Sauvignon Blanc grape originated in the Loire Valley and has been mentioned since the 1500s. In fact, it’s considered a noble grape variety and is known for giving wines of vibrant and herbaceous character. The name Sauvignon is derived from the French words: Sauvage (wild) and Vigne (vine). This is because Sauvignon Blanc is a wild-growing plant with leaves in the shape of wild grapevines.
Sauvignon Blanc is fruit-forward, showing aromas and flavors of citrus, green fruits, wet stones, and veggies, such as tomato leaf, green bell pepper, and asparagus. In Bordeaux, where Sauvignon comes from, the wine is blended with Sémillon, which is planted in the same regions. Yet, Sauvignon Blanc production has transitioned to the New World, namely California.
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(4.8 / 5) California: Where Sauvignon Is Expressed Differently
Now, the interesting thing is that the best-selling Sauvignon Blanc wines from California are not those with primary characteristics, but the so-called Fumé Blancs. These are heavier expressions of Sauvignon that have matured in oak barrels and may have undergone malolactic fermentation to become creamy, smoky, and oaky.
California is known as the heart of the American wine industry. The reason for this is the innovative and state-of-the-art wineries of its various counties. Napa Valley is a famous wine-growing area in California, but there are also other regions known for cultivating juicy and concentrated grapes, such as St. Helena, the Russian River Valley, and Rutherford. What is the best Sauvignon Blanc From California? Without further ado, let’s take a look.
Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines From California
Best Overall
- Name — Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Illumination
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Pear, Apple, Melon, Grapefruit, Guava, Vanilla, Wet Stone
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Passion Fruit, Gooseberry, Flint, Campfire
- Alcohol Content — 14.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sea Bass, Mignonette, Pork Chops, Grilled Artichokes, Greek Pasta Salad, Yogurt, Goat Cheese
Tasting Notes
A complex and sophisticated wine. It offers tension and refreshing acidity, and, in a way, it’s both bright and complicated. Elegant and has a long finish. Yellow straw color. The wine has a complex nose that firstly brings tropical fruits namely guavas, pineapples, and passion fruits. In addition, wine fans can scent lemon rind, vanilla, and green bell pepper.
The palate is sweeter but still bright, as it exhibits flavors of peaches, apricots, coconuts, and asparagus. A rich Sauvignon, therefore, that has a body that reminds one of a Chardonnay. Long, elegant finish. Possibly the best Sauvignon Blanc from California.
Great Wines of High Concentration
Illumination appeared in small bottles in limited circles. From the beginning, it satisfied the palates of sommeliers and wine enthusiasts. To keep up with the initial success, the winemakers at Illumination sought more grapes from vineyards in Rutherford and the cooler southern regions of Napa Valley. They focused on sourcing grapes grown in alluvial soils to craft wines of concentration with an expressive character.
Best Value
- Name — Foppiano Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Foppiano Vineyards
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Mango, Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon, Thyme, Cinnamon
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Passion Fruit, Lychee, Orange Sorbet, Apricot, Peach
- Alcohol Content — 13.8%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Roasted Chicken, Pork Chops, Fish And Chips, Mussels, Asparagus, Zucchini, Monterey Jack
Tasting Notes
Aromas of tropicals, citrus, and herbs are accentuated by notes of spice on the nose. Delicious in the mouth, the wine shows crispiness and tastes of orange sorbet and passion fruits. Aromas of mangoes, grapefruits, Meyer lemons, thyme, and cinnamon combine, delivering the bouquet. The palate is crisp and fruit-forward, packed with tastes of passion fruits, lychees, orange sorbet, apricots, and peaches.
The acidity is refreshing and balances the pronounced flavors, while the finish is lingering and gratifying, that make it one of the best Californian Sauvignon Blanc wines. Founded in 1896, Foppiano Vineyards is Sonoma’s oldest continually operating winery. In fact, the winery managed to survive the Prohibition and stays true to its original commitment to quality and the winemaking tradition.
Best Cheap Under $10
- Name — Mason Cellars Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Mason Cellars
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Acacia, Grapefruit, Lime, Lychee
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Apricot, Peach, Pineapple, Saline, Flint, Orange
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Cod, Sea Bass, Mushroom Risotto, Creamy Pasta, Shellfish, Swiss
Tasting Notes
Vibrant and super bright in the glass, this Sauvignon Blanc offers fragrant aromas of white blossoms on the nose and a palate of tropicals and stone fruits. This is a great summer wine. It begins with the aromas of honeysuckle, acacias, grapefruit, limes, and lychees on the bouquet. Now, as it enters the mouth, waves of peaches, apricots, and pineapples emerge. A touch of flint, saline, and ripe citrus are present.
Very refreshing. Medium but pleasing finish. Pomelo takes advantage of just the right amount of sunlight and cooling to create alluring flavors in their wines. These bottlings are best paired with a fresh dish, as, since 2004, when Pomelo was founded, the winery has focused on bringing expressive and bright wines to the dining table.
Best Under $15
- Name — Ferrari Carano Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)
- Winery — Ferrari Carano
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Guava, Grapefruit, Peach, Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Smoke, Flint, Lime Zest
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Cream, Peach, Tobacco, Thyme, Apricot, Apple, Pear
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Snapper, Halibut, Sardines, Smoked Salmon, Garlic Prawns, Greek Food, Thai Food
Tasting Notes
This wine has great aromas and tastes of tropical fruits, peaches, lemongrass, and citrus. On top of this, the wine shows crisp freshness from the stainless-steel tank fermentation and a subtle oakiness from oak barrels. This Fumé Blanc begins with juicy nuances of guavas, grapefruits, peaches, lemongrass, and grapefruits, as well as notes of smoke, flint, and lime zest. The palate is rounded and creamy. It exhibits pronounced flavors of white peaches, tobacco, and thyme.
Moderate acidity and medium finish. Definitely one of the top-rated Sauvignon Blanc wines From California. Ferrari-Carano is a family-owned winery operating since 1985. It is considered a leading producer of high-quality wines that are crafted with fruit sourced from 20 estate vineyards.
Best Under $20
- Name — Bernardus Griva Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Bernardus
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Coast, Monterey County, Arroyo Seco
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Pear, Apple Peach, Apricot, Grapefruit
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Guava, Apple, Pineapple, Wet Grass, Pebbles, Flint
- Alcohol Content — 12.7%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Smoked Salmon, Oysters, Grilled Fish, Lamb, Cheddar
Tasting Notes
A touch of Anjou pear and stone fruit aromas dominate this Sauvignon’s nose. The palate is the meeting place for flavors of guavas, green fruits, and elements of grass and wet rocks. Refreshing, racy acidity. The aromas of this wine are irresistible, as nuances of Anjou pear, peaches, apricots, and grapefruits surface on this Sauvignon’s nose.
Now, the mouth is delicious, too, as the tastes of guavas, apples, and pineapples give a beautiful richness. Essence of wet grass, pebbles, and flint are there, too, and drive to the medium, but perfectly balanced aftertaste.
Single-Vineyard Wines
Bernardus focuses on creating Bordeaux-style reds. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are the main wines they produce from cool-climate coastal vineyards. On top of this, Bernardus offers bottling of small production and appellation designated wines, available only through the Bernardus wine club.
Best Under $25
- Name — Peju Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Peju
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Peach, Grapefruit, Raspberry, Apricot, Peach
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Lychee, Asparagus, Guava, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Apricot, Earth, Thyme, Lime
- Alcohol Content — 13.8%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Fried Chicken, Garlic Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Enchiladas, Halibut, Parmesan
Tasting Notes
Peju Sauvignon Blanc is light, crisp, and vivid. The nose has elements of peaches, limes, and honeysuckles, while the palate shows flavors of wet stones and tropical fruits. The finish is saline with touches of dried earth and herbs. Lime, grapefruits, honeysuckles, and peaches are the main aromatic elements of this wine. The palate is cleaned by wet stones, as tastes of lychees, guavas, passion fruits, and pineapples emerge. A touch of apricot lingers, too. It drives to a pleasing aftertaste of dried earth, thyme, and lime ice.
Winemaking out of True Passion for Wine
Peju is a winery based on the love of farming and passion for wine brought to Napa Valley by Tony Peju. Founded in 1982, when Tony and his wife purchased 30 acres of land in Napa, Peju produces highly expressive Californian wines in an acreage that includes a house from the 1900s.
Best Under $30
- Name — Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Cakebread
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Grapefruit, Lemon Curd, Yogurt
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Guava, Passion Fruit, Melon, Marzipan, Flint, Wet Pebbles
- Alcohol Content — 13.9%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Chicken Breast, Primavera, Cheesecake, Goat Cheese, Such As Manchego
Tasting Notes
Fresh with vivid nuances of melons, citrus, and white flowers, this Sauvignon has a crisp palate of guavas and passion fruits. Bright acidity and long finish synthesize a perfect offering. The wine starts with the aromas of honeysuckles, grapefruits, lemon curd, and yogurt. But it gives way to the refreshing palate of guavas, passion fruits, melons, and marzipan. The long finish is buoyed by vibrant acidity and dynamic mineral tones of flint and wet pebbles. Drink now or hold for a year.
Crafting Exceptional Wines
30 years ago, Cakebread Cellars was founded by Jack Cakebread, who came to photograph Napa Valley for a book. He fell so in love with the region that after friends informed that the ranch was for sale, him, Jack Cakebread made his best offer. The winery crafts great wines of the highest quality. In this way, Cakebread has grown into a thriving, internationally recognized wine brand.
Best Under $40
- Name — Hourglass Estate Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Hourglass
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Mint, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, Tomato Leaf, Asparagus, Lemon
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Grapefruit, Passion Fruit, Smoke, Rustic Spices, Flint, Wet Stones, Saline
- Alcohol Content — 14.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Garlic Chicken, Zucchini Patties, Red Snapper, Falafel, Scallops, Brick
Tasting Notes
Bright and crisp, this Sauvignon Blanc has the aromas of mint, flowers, and ripe orchard fruit. In the mouth, there is an oaky sensation that is not overpowering. Saline finish. A high-quality Sauvignon Blanc that is crispy and vibrant. It begins with fragrances of mint, honeysuckles, orange blossoms, tomato leaf, asparagus, and lemon.
Balanced on the palate, the fruit-forward texture exhibits taste of rustic spices, dried herbs, grapefruits, passion fruits, and smoke. Pronounced notes of flint and wet stones lead to an approachable saline aftertaste.
Synonymous with Innovation
Hourglass encompasses the innovative winemaking trend of Napa Valley. Specifically, the winery is synonymous with modern Napa wines of high caliber, capturing the essence of some of the region’s most expressive sites. Hourglass continues to evolve day by day, and welcomes each advance in enology and winemaking.
Best Under $50
- Name — Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Spottswoode
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Apricot, Lemon, Nutmeg, Stones, Cinnamon, Bell Pepper
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Peach, Guava, Passion Fruit, Pear, Cassis, Lemongrass, Thyme, Pebbles
- Alcohol Content — 13.8%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sea Bass, Sole, Garlic Prawns, Scallops, Clams, Asparagus, Peas, Gouda
This Sauvignon Blanc has welcoming aromatics of citrus and stone fruits. The palate has cassis and peach notes, as well as hints of baking spice and dried Mediterranean herbs. Mouthwatering finish. Crispy acidity. Grapefruits, apricots, and lemon rind dominate this Sauvignon’s nose, as these aromas join notes of nutmeg, stones, and cinnamon.
Mouthwatering on the palate, juicy flavors of peaches, guavas, passion fruits, and ripe pears dominate. Fine notes of cassis, lemongrass, thyme, and wet pebbles contribute to the rounded mouth. Medium-bodied, the wine ends with racy acidity and a mineral-driven finish.
Growing Juicy Grapes and Producing Fantastic Wines
Spottswoode is a historic family-owned wine estate and vineyard on St. Helena in Napa Valley. Established in 1882, the winery has changed hands a few times. Still, the 40-acre Spottswoode vineyard is a perfect terroir for growing juicy grapes that give exceptional wines produced in accordance with sustainable agriculture.
Best Under $100
- Name — Accendo Cellars Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Accendo Cellars
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Nectarine, Pear, Grapefruit, Bell Pepper
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Lemongrass, Butter, Thyme, Marzipan, Apple, Lemon, Flint
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Red Snapper, Asparagus Risotto, Garlic Chicken, Pesto With Arugula, Shellfish, Muenster
Tasting Notes
Floral fragrances combine with exotic notes of guavas. In the mouth, the supple texture is highlighted by fresh acidity that prolongs the finish. A gorgeous and creamy Sauvignon. This Sauvignon rises boldly out of the glass with nuances of honeysuckles, jasmines, nectarines, guavas, and an aromatic note of pears and grapefruits.
Medium-bodied on the palate, the wine shows tastes of thyme, marzipan, lemongrass, butter, green apple, Meyer lemon, and flint. The creaminess is ever-present but balanced by the bright acidity. Gorgeous, long finish.
Wine From the Best Vineyards of Napa
Accendo Cellars wine growing venture was founded in Napa Valley in 2013, inspired by the Napa Valley wines of the past decades. To craft their wines, the winery sources grapes from the best vineyard sites in Napa Valley. The result? A balanced and restrained Napa Valley wine style that, at the same time, brims with energy and flavor.
Conclusion
Sauvignon Blanc is an intriguing grape variety that offers both brightness and creaminess. Whether you prefer a Sauvignon in a Fumé Blanc style or a completely vibrant packed with green fruit notes, do not miss the opportunity of sampling it. So, put on a great smile and cheers, fellows!
