Lake County’s 2013 vintage wines may be on their way to legendary status. Three from that class earned Best of Class at this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, another three captured Double Gold, adding to four Golds — and several varietals have yet to be released.
The 2013 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc from Langtry Estate & Vineyards topped its category. And it’s easy to see why.
Yes, first impressions start with the eyes — where else? — and this wine looks brisk and summery, like pale straw under a sinking sun. On the nose floral, honeysuckle notes linger after a burst of pineapple, guava and the rinds of citrus fruit.
So even before your first sip, the Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc has settled you under a beach umbrella then trotted you off to a blooming meadow.
Not bad.
Of course, second impressions matter more. And with the Guenoc, it’s worth getting past the introduction. This is a crisp wine featuring bright and lively tropical fruits — pineapple and grapefruit to the fore — wrapped in surprisingly rich drapery that snaps clean at the finish.
Presumably this vivid fruit character comes from time in stainless steel rather than oak. There’s little of the languid vanilla or smoldering toast pulled from the barrel. But the playful acidic nature says more about the mild summer of that year.
And the wine speaks of warm days and sultry nights. With the bracing rush of fruit and concise finish, you barely notice any hint of alcohol.
In other words, this is a wine made for boundless enjoyment.
Dave Faries can be reached at 900-2016
