2012 “Sea Fog” by The Grade

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$24.95 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

This month’s selections just keep getting better, even in the white department.  Here’s a wine from Thomas Rivers Brown, the vintner who created a series of cabs at Schrader rated 100 points by Wine Spectator (plus others above 95 points).   Brown sets the bar for excellence, and we’ve showcased wines he has produced at Tamber Bey in Napa.

Sea Fog is produced by The Grade Cellars in Calistoga owned by Thomas Winfield Thornton and Brenda Joyce Mixson.  I am usually suspect of people who use three names, which was reinforced for me by the captions accompanying photos of the proprietors:  For Thornton:  “Vintner by day and architect by night.  Discovered French wines at 15.  Would rather be playing piano.”  For Mixson:  “Born to dance.  Raised on a cattle ranch.  Smartest person in the room.  Wine is better in her presence.”

I promise, the pinot gris isn’t nearly as pretentious. –Gary Alan Moffat

Winery Tasting Notes:  “2012 is likely to go down as one of the great vintages in California history, not only for its exceptional reds, but for the whites as well. The 2012 Sea Fog Sauvignon Blanc throws a beautiful light golden hue in the glass, with intense, lifted aromatics of flowers, tropical fruit and lemon zest that are the first indication there is more than meets the eye . The expected tropical notes and generosity one would expect from its up-valley location are present, however thanks in large part to the cool foggy mornings, a snappy natural acidity keeps the palate crisp and lively. The intense fruit-driven finish provides the capstone to what is quickly becoming one of the favorite sauvignon blancs with which I work.”

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