Pale straw color; pineapple, green apple, peach, gooseberry, melon, grapefruit, lemon, brioche, minerality on the nose and palate.
Dry; minimal tannins; excellent acidity (3.30 pH). Light-medium body; crisp, mouthwatering texture. Wine is 100% estate grown sauvignon blanc grapes from the High Serenity Ranch vineyard in the High Valley AVA that features an ancient lakebed and alluvial soil. Considerable diurnal shift boosts acidity while warm days encourage tasty, ripe fruit. Grapes harvested in the morning to preserve freshness, gentle pressing, cold settled, fermented in small stainless steel tanks. Juice spends six months on the lees for roundness, richness, and complexity with weekly batonnage. 13.7% ABV
Jerry Brassfield purchased the original 1,600 acres of the estate as a cattle ranch and wildlife preserve in 1973. Over the next 30 years, he acquired additional contiguous property. Today, Brassfield Estate includes more than 5,000 acres on both the eastern and western sections of High Valley, as well as the Round Mountain volcano. The High Valley AVA is sub-region of the Lake Country growing region and the Clear Lake AVA. Clear Lake, California’s largest natural lake is in the center of the AVA. The region boasts the cleanest air in the state.
In 1998, Brassfield investigated different sections of the wildlife-cattle ranch operation to see if there was a potential for producing estate-grown wine. Vineyard development started in 2001. The project has grown into a state-of-the-art farming operation and winemaking facility. Vineyards are impressively high for California—1,800 to 3,000 feet. Megan Anderson is the winemaker. Francisco Dominguez is the cellar master.
The website describes the property: “Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards are located in the western section of High Valley at High Serenity Ranch on a truly distinctive and remarkable winegrowing property. Our valley floor vineyards sit at 1800 ft. elevation. The higher vineyard blocks rise to nearly 3000 ft. The temperature fluctuation on this unique property is always one of the most amazing experienced in California.”
From the beginning, the operation has emphasized responsible respect for the land and wildlife. The website notes: “We take stewardship of the land and of the creatures in and above it seriously. We have provided a flyway and refuge for thousands of ducks and other waterfowl on the Brassfield Estate lands. These preservation efforts form a connection between our history and the type of sustainable conscientiousness that ensures our future.”
Brassfield Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc, High Serenity Ranch, High Valley AVA 2023 is clean, pure, crisp example of quality California Lake Country sauv blanc. Vivid, delicious fruit framed by excellent acidity. Subtly and complexity from six months on the lees
Pairing—Seafood is a natural; oysters, scallop crudo, shrimp aguachile, ceviche, sushi/sashimi; grilled and quick-seared halibut, cod, trout with lemon-butter sauce; grilled fish tacos with lime. Simply prepared chicken, turkey, pork chop dishes. Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Works with asparagus—no mean feat—arugula salads, avocado dishes, spring vegetables, zucchini, artichokes, peas; pesto-based dishes. Cheese—Goat cheese is classic sauv blanc pairing; chèvre, Humboldt Fog, bucheron, valençay; feta, ricotta salata, young pecorino, fresh mozzarella, aged gouda, gruyère, asiago, fontina, brie. Avoid heavy cream sauces, rich brown butter, very sweet glazes, very spicy chili oil. $19-23
Brassfield Estate Winery website
