2023 Shared Notes, Sauvignon Blanc “Les Leçon des Maîtres” Russian River Valley.
The gorgeous and lively 2023 Shares Notes “Les Leçon des Maîtres” is a blend inspired by, as winemakers Bibiana González Rave and Jeff Pisoni. note, the cellar masters of Bordeaux, like those at Château Haut-Brion, and their dedication to Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Coming from unique sites within the Russian River AVA in Sonoma County and mature vines this 2023 is close to 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon which adds up to a zesty, but concentrated wine of incredible pleasure and tension. The palate has tons of impact and personality, certainly raising the game for a Sauvignon Blanc from California, with deep layers of bright lime, kiwi, lemon curd, gooseberry, wet stones, vanilla/ creme brûlée and almond. This stunningly impressive wine is full energy, but is also viscous and hedonistic, with plenty of age worthy structure and elegant richness, perfectly capturing the vintage.
This Shared Notes label and unique series of wines is the winemaking joint-venture between wife and husband, Bibiana González Rave, of Cattleya Wines and Jeff Pisoni, formerly of Peter Michael and head of his Pisoni Family Estate and Lucia Vineyards wines. They are hugely talented to say the least and these lovely Sauvignon Blanc based offerings are some of the very best in California. Bibiana notes that their Shared Notes “Les Leçon des Maîtres” is led by the Sauvignon Blanc, which brings acidity that cuts a razor sharp edge through the soft, textured roundness brought on by the addition of Sémillon here, and is all framed by the influence of 100% new French oak barrel aging. Just under 200 Cases were produced of this exciting vintage of the Pisoni’s Les Leçon des Maîtres and I highly suggest getting a few bottles and get on the direct mailing list for future offerings as well. I’ve been following these winemakers for many years now, and I can say without a doubt they have both reached new heightened levels with their own wines, which are thrilling in their own right, and also should not be missed.
($75 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive