From: Columbia Valley, WA
Blend: 66% Sauvignon Blanc and 34% Semillon
Taste: On the nose, the wine offers enticing floral aromas intermingled with notes of citrus zest, green apple, and freshly cut grass. Upon the first sip, a burst of juicy lemon and ripe melon flavors dance across the palate, leading to subtle hints of honeydew, white peach, and a touch of minerality. The refreshing acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc is beautifully balanced by the rich, silky texture of the Semillon, resulting in a wine with excellent structure and depth. As the flavors meld together, the wine culminates in a long, satisfying finish with a lingering hint of white flowers and wet stone.
Pairing: The 2022 Sagemoor Vineyards Estate White Blend's vibrant acidity and rich texture make it a versatile companion to a wide range of dishes. Seafood options such as grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or baked halibut with a lemon-caper sauce would beautifully complement the wine's bright citrus notes. For poultry dishes, consider pairing the wine with herb-roasted chicken or a zesty citrus-marinated turkey breast. The wine's delicate floral aromas and melon flavors would also enhance the flavors of light pasta dishes, such as linguine with a lemon-herb cream sauce or fettuccine with a garlic-infused olive oil drizzle.
For vegetarian pairings, the 2022 Sagemoor Estate White Blend's refreshing acidity and harmonious fruit profile make it a delightful match for a variety of plant-based dishes. Try pairing it with a goat cheese and arugula salad, sprinkled with toasted almonds and a tangy citrus vinaigrette or try the Lemony Farro Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese and Mint recipe by Melissa Clark below. Alternatively, consider a grilled vegetable medley featuring bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, seasoned with fresh herbs and a light balsamic glaze. The wine's subtle minerality would also complement earthy dishes, such as a wild mushroom risotto or a hearty lentil stew with root vegetables. For a lighter option, a flavorful quinoa and avocado salad with a lemon-tahini dressing would pair beautifully with this elegant white blend.
Lemony Farro Pasta Salad With Goat Cheese and Mint
By Melissa Clark
Nestled in the heart of the Columbia Valley AVA, the Sagemoor Vineyards Estate has been a forerunner in Washington's wine industry for over 40 years. Pioneered by visionaries Alec Bayless, Albert Ravenholt, Winslow Wright, and Syd Abrams, Sagemoor's innovative approach and dedication to quality have led to its continued success. The 2022 Sagemoor Estate White Blend, crafted from 66% Sauvignon Blanc and 34% Semillon, is a prime example of their exceptional winemaking.
The Estate White Blend is a harmonious marriage of grapes from the Dionysus and Gamache Vineyards, both integral parts of the Sagemoor group. Dionysus Vineyard contributes complexity to the Semillon with its varied soil, while Gamache Vineyard, boasting old vines planted in 1985, provides consistent clusters of Sauvignon Blanc. The resulting blend offers a tantalizing combination of citrus and melon flavors, with delicate floral aromas.
Sagemoor Vineyards benefits from its strategic location on the east side of the Columbia River, 15 miles north of Tri-Cities, WA. The vineyard's southwestern sloping land, with elevations ranging from 400-860 feet, provides ideal conditions for grape and tree fruit cultivation. The vineyard's soil composition, predominantly Quincy loamy fine sand and Sagehill very fine sandy loam, further supports grape growing.
Thanks to the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, Sagemoor enjoys a secure water source. Initially irrigated with overhead sprinklers for both frost protection and irrigation, the vineyard has since adopted drip irrigation and Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI). This method, combined with soil moisture monitoring, allows for continuous fine-tuning and improvement in grape quality.
Under the expert management of Lacey Lybeck, Sagemoor supplies grapes to at least 25 Washington wineries that produce award-winning wines. To further elevate the estate's wine program, Sagemoor Vineyards recently announced the appointment of Aryn Morell, a renowned winemaker with an impressive résumé, to oversee winemaking for its Selections By Sagemoor project.
Morell's expertise, combined with the rich history and innovative spirit of Sagemoor Vineyards, ensures a promising future for the estate's wine program. The 2022 Sagemoor Estate White Blend exemplifies the perfect balance of Sauvignon Blanc's freshness and vibrancy with Semillon's density and texture. As a testament to the innovation and excellence that has defined Sagemoor Vineyards for over four decades, this delectable white blend is a must-try for wine enthusiasts. So, raise your glass and toast to the unparalleled legacy of Sagemoor Vineyards and the delight of the 2022 Estate White Blend. Cheers!