A stunning experssion of sauvignon that marries complexity and purity to exalted effect. The nose is all tight-wound sulphides and grapefruit citrus, really breathtaking, lemon rind and lime leaf here too. The palate has a core of scintillatingly pure grapefruit citrus flavor, a wealth of fleshy textural presence and a core of fine, driving acidity. Terrific nutty nuanced resolve. Drink now.

Complex, supple and seductive, presenting an aromatic mix of honeysuckle, smoke, beeswax, lime blossom and chamomile notes that give way to ripe white peach, melon, green tea and lemon zest elements. Delivers fresh herbal details of lemon verbena and marjoram, finishing with crisp, clean acidity and lingering flavors. Drink now through 2020. –MW

From a couple of pioneers of the style, this barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc shows aggressive fumé-style aromas of smoky struck flint. Grilled melon and fig flavors take hold of the silky midpalate, followed by lingering grapefruit on the finish. True to its usual impressive standard.

There is so much to love and commend about the 2013 Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc but, as in a few of the previous vintages, I have concerns about the levels of sulfides (complex savory notes stemming from reduced sulfur compounds as opposed to “free” or obvious sulfur). The nose is led by struck flint / matchstick notes and characteristic “funk” with appealing underlying passionfruit, lemon curd and pink grapefruit hints. Medium-bodied with a silken texture, the sulfides are just a tad confronting here too, though the concentration of fruit is great. The nose / palate improves with air and it may cellar gloriously…if those sulfides ever marry-in with the fruit. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown