WTN: Isa Spy

[David M. Bueker]

2010 Cowan Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Isa
Disclaimer - I don't like Sauvignon Blanc. But this doesn't really taste like Sauvignon Blanc. I'm actually not sure what it taste like. There's some tropical fruit there, and this very drying impression that's more than tannic. It stings touch on the back of the throat, especially when it's a bit too cold. Works well with a spinach & basil pizza though. I'm glad to have tried it, not sure I really want more though.

1997 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte
Also a good match with the pizza, but in a very different way. This is showing dried cherry and dusty elements, and has smoothed out since release. It does not show any of the over ripe character of some 1997s from the region, and in fact remains a bit lean on the palate - which I like.

2010 Cowan Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Isa
Disclaimer - I don't like Sauvignon Blanc. But this doesn't really taste like Sauvignon Blanc. I'm actually not sure what it taste like. There's some tropical fruit there, and this very drying impression that's more than tannic. It stings touch on the back of the throat, especially when it's a bit too cold. Works well with a spinach & basil pizza though. I'm glad to have tried it, not sure I really want more though.
.

David,
I'm not a big fan of Calif SauvBlanc. I particularly dislike LakeCnty SauvBlanc. The great feature of Jim's Isa is that the skin-ferment
destroys that LakeCnty SB character. It's a very interesting wine. Needs food. Needs to be served at room temperature. A very
interesting wine I thought.
Tom

[David M. Bueker]

I agree it's interesting. We had it both cool and room temp. Not to my taste.

I agree it's interesting. We had it both cool and room temp. Not to my taste.

David,
FWIW, the 2008 version has become darker, rounder and developed a ginger note so perhaps with some age . . .
If you open another soon, try room temp. and a long decant - the more air, the better.
But I knew from the get-go that this wouldn't be for everybody.
Best, Jim

I've had the Isa twice now.

The first time was two days after cross country shipping, kind of check on whether bottle shock is real or not. The bottle was interesting but seemed disjointed, out of sorts. It was paired with salomon but it didn't seem a suitable match.

Opened the second bottle this weekend with a chicken dish and the wine was much better, the type of wine I had hoped for.

I like skin contact whites and orange wines and this is another good one. Looking forward to it developing over time.

I agree it's interesting. We had it both cool and room temp. Not to my taste.

David,
FWIW, the 2008 version has become darker, rounder and developed a ginger note so perhaps with some age . . .
If you open another soon, try room temp. and a long decant - the more air, the better.
But I knew from the get-go that this wouldn't be for everybody.
Best, Jim

Don't cry, I still like the Isa. When are you coming back to CA?

[David M. Bueker]

I'll be back to this wine once the weather warms just a touch.