2020 Sunstone Sauvignon Blanc ($28)

When the Rice family moved in 1989 from Santa Barbara to a peaceful 52-acre Santa Ynez ranch to grow wine grapes, little did they know that they would be stewards to the first organic vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County. 

Sunstone has been committed to growing wine grapes without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fungicides since the initial planting in 1990.

Named after the exposed sun-dappled shale and stones of the vineyard estate, Sunstone winery is located on the California Central Coast, just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara.

This Sauvignon Blanc is a pale gold in color with a medium-low nose of pear and apple. On the palate, this light-bodied wine is dry (14.5% RS) with medium acidity and flavors of pear and apple. Some research shows that Sunstone puts their Sauvignon Blanc through Malolactic Conversion which converts the sharper malic acid (found in green apples) into softer, smoother, creamy lactic acid (found in milk). This would explain the soft and smooth mouthfeel of this Sauvignon Blanc. It finishes nicely with just a bit of tartness.

This Sauvignon Blanc from Sunstone Winery is a terrific wine that is available at a great price. This make it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.