The 2008 Voss Sauvignon Blanc displays classic varietal aromas, flavor and texture even though it hails from a region dominated by big, bold reds. Aromas of lemon peel, grapefruit and pineapple combine with a hint of spice and mineral, leading to a delightful combination of intense and exotic fruit flavors across the palate. The wine shows a lovely fullness in the palate from the skin contact before pressing and the lingering finish is bright and crisp.
Guava, papaya, lime zest, pineapple, Meyer lemon, dried sage, and dried hay.
In 1994, Voss Vineyards was conceived and founded by Australian Robert Hill Smith, the fifth-generation proprietor of Yalumba Winery in Barossa Valley, as well as the Nautilus Estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. With 160 years of Australian winemaking heritage and experience behind him, Hill Smith approaches wines in Australia, New Zealand and California with a focus on adventure, innovation and a strong respect for matching variety with terroir. With Sauvignon Blanc, the priority is to craft wines that are pure and expressive. Robert discovered a vineyard ideally suited to Sauvignon Blanc-- a 42-acre block (San Mateo Ranch vineyard) in Rutherford. The heavy clay soil present in the vineyard produces Sauvignon Blanc grapes of intensely perfumed tropical and citrus fruits with crisp acidity. Voss Vineyards is focused solely on hand-crafting excellent, regionally expressive Sauvignon Blanc.
Most fish, poultry and vegetable dishes that will be enhanced by a squeeze of lemon are probably a good match for this wine. Seafood of all sorts, from shellfish and flaky white fish to calamari, will also be delicious. For accompaniments, look to pea shoots, snow peas, asparagus and baby spinach which can overwhelm oaky whites but will be just right with the Voss Sauvignon Blanc. For something casual try my Shrimp Po'Boys with Angry Mayonnaise.
The Voss name was inspired by the main character from the novel "Voss" written by Patrick White, a Nobel Prize-winning Australian novelist. The book starts in Sydney in 1845 and is based on the story of a German explorer named Voss who is preparing to cross the Australian continent. The novel is about geographical discovery, the challenges that faced explorers in that era, and a love affair set in colonial times.
