Scheid Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2021
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Sauvignon Blanc is in its element when it is fermented entirely in stainless steel (no oak), allowing the fresh crisp nature of the fruit to shine. And that’s how Scheid Vineyards does their Estate Sauvignon Blanc. Bright notes of Meyer lemon, lime and stone fruit, along with hints of melon and guava, give way to a crisp acidity that lends a beautiful freshness and structure to this wine. Hints of tarragon and other light herbal and grass notes lurk in the background, as well as a mild tartness that is a hallmark of Sauvignon Blanc.
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Tasting Panel
Lem- on verbena and grassy garden herbs maintain a savory side as honeydew and guava contrib- ute to a sweeter profile. This streamlined Sauv Blanc with personality-plus aged for four months in 100% stainless steel, and its heightened perfume augments its citrus-blossom character.
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Wine Enthusiast
Seared seaweed, freshly cut lawn, lime-peel and seashore aromas show on the maritime nose of this bottling. That kelpy tone comes through on the palate as well alongside green bell pepper.
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2019-
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Wilfred
Wong
Al Scheid first purchased property in Monterey County in early 1972. Monterey wine grape growing was in its infancy and Al was drawn to the region for its untapped potential. Back then, Scheid Vineyards was called Monterey Farming Corporation and it was originally structured as a limited partnership. If you are over 50, you may remember that the tax laws at that time allowed investors to offset losses against regular income. Al, a graduate of Harvard Business School and an investment banker and entrepreneur, was running his own investment company and became intrigued with the idea of vineyards as a tax shelter vehicle – heavy investment on the front end and no income until at least five years into the project. After determining that it was a sound plan and Monterey County was an ideal region, Al scouted for vineyard ground, formed the Vineyard Investors 1972 limited partnership, and found a customer for 100% of the grape production before even one acre was planted. This was soon followed by the Vineyard 405 limited partnership and Al Scheid’s career in wine growing had begun
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
A geographic and climatic paradise for grape vines, Monterey is a part of the greater Central Coast AVA and contains within it five smaller sub-appellations, including Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, San Bernabe, Hames Valley and the famous Santa Lucia Highlands. The climate is relatively warm but tempered by cool, coastal winds, allowing the regions in Monterey County an exceptionally long growing season. Bud break often happens two weeks sooner and harvest tends to be two weeks later compared to other surrounding regions.
Monterey’s coastal side, where the cooling ocean fog allows grapes to develop a perfect sugar-acid balance, excels in the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Warmer, inland subzones are home to fleshy, concentrated and full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Chardonnay, covering about 40% of vineyard acreage, is the most widely planted grape in all of Monterey County.