WTN: Okay, here's an exception.... (Sauv B)

[Jenise]

In David's introductory thread I said I like all types. Well, here's a type I didn't even know existed and certainly don't love: 2023 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc North Coast. Almost colorless. Muscatty, perfumed nose does not resemble the grapes it's made from (the blend includes some semillon), and on the very light bodied palate there's green apple, ginger and just a hint of new mown grass. Not exactly unpleasant, but disappointing for its lack of typicity. And oh, I really dislike "muscatty".

[David M. Bueker]

Interesting that you bring up Duckhorn, as a Duckhorn SB was one of the first wines I ever ordered off of a restaurant wine list. It was some mid-1990s vintage and pretty good. Went well with the food.

[Jenise]

Interesting that you bring up Duckhorn, as a Duckhorn SB was one of the first wines I ever ordered off of a restaurant wine list. It was some mid-1990s vintage and pretty good. Went well with the food.

And would have been Napa fruit instead of the melange called 'North Coast' and made by a real winery, which IMO Duckhorn isn't anymore. They're a corporate entity with a lot of brands squeaking by on the original name and reputation. I honestly haven't had any Duckhorn, even the merlot they were once so famous for, in the last ten or so years that was worthy.

[David M. Bueker]

All true. Duckhorn was a very different winery back then.

There are quite a few CA brands that have little real connection to the actual winery that built the name.

[Jenise]

Dale, sadly true. And many members of the public including my brother who brought this bottle don't realize it. The good news: he loves gingery/muscatty/floral so he loved the wine and happily took the remainder home with him.

[David M. Bueker]

Honestly “muscatty” sounds good to me. I love Muscat.