93
points
Brander 2005 Au Naturel Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
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$30
Brander’s stainless steel fermented Sauvignon is an exciting wine, simply brilliant in pure fruit and mouthwatering acidity. It’s as fresh as a harvest morning, with intense flavors of lemongrass, gooseberry, tangerine zest, green grass and vanilla. Certainly at the top of its class.
— S.H.
(11/15/2006)
92
points
Brander 2004 Cuvee Nicolas Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)
-
$26
Shows a return to form after the ’03, with brilliantly ripe guava, nectarine and herb-infused citrus flavors and clean, crisp acids. Totally dry, the wine has a good chunk of new French oak, which assists with a creamy texture, but doesn’t take over. This is great California SB.
— S.H.
(12/1/2005)
92
points
Brander 2009 Cuvée Nicholas Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)
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$25
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, with one-quarter Sémillon, this white blend was aged on the lees in oak barrels. It shows the balanced elegance this bottling by Brander usually displays. Entirely dry, with a crisp burst of acidity, its flavors are of citrus fruits, white flowers, vanilla, minerals and a touch of tart, New Zealand-style gooseberry. Great with roast pork…
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)