2012 Shared Notes, Sauvignon Blanc, Les Pierres Qui Decident, Russian River Valley.
The Les Pierres Qui Decident is a homage to the great wines of the Loire Valley, this is pure Sauvignon Blanc with a nod to the late great Didier Dagueneau. This is a vibrant and intense minerally Sauvignon Blanc that is wonderfully textured and elegant. Shared Notes is the husband and wife winemaking team of the emerging talents Bibiana Gonzalez Rave (Cattleya), a former Cote-Rotie winemaker at Domaine Ogier as well as having Haut-Brion, Peay Vineyards, and Lynmar on her CV, and Jeff Pisoni (Pisoni Estate) who also makes Fort Ross and was an assistant at Peter Michael. These two rising stars have always wanted to make wine and are now two very highly regarded winemakers and consultants. The Shared Notes label marks their beginning in making wine together with 2012 being their first vintage to collaborate, and wow, they have made two spectacular wines, this glorious Sauvignon Blanc and another Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend that is striking and stylish in a great white Bordeaux style, both are stunning examples of what can be done with the varietal(s) and showcase their passion and skills, these are not to miss wines. The Les Pierres Qui Decident is full of racy intensity and vibrant flavors with lemon/lime, green melon, gooseberry, quince and hint of grapefruit lead the way with a touch of kiwi and tropical essence, vivid mineral tones and bracing acidity which while a force in this wine never gets top billing, this wine has added depth and density with a lot of character, hints of white flowers, tangerine and wet river rocks. Everything folds together perfectly, this is seriously delicious wine, it has the class and quality that really takes this Sauvignon Blanc to a higher level and is one of the finest in California. This wine certainly is is the top 5 Sauvignon Blancs I’ve had from California along with the Rochioli Old Vine, Peter Michael, Morlet Family and Greystack, it reminds me how exciting this grape can be. I can’t wait to see what Jeff and Bibiana do next! Drink from 2014 to 2020, though it might be a good idea to leave a few bottles for 7 to 10 years to see what happens, I have a feeling it will be rewarding.
($74 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
