Shared Notes Sauvignon Blanc "Les Lecons des Maitres" 2023
(Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California) - [VM 96] [DM 95] [WS 94] [JS 94]

Winemaker's Notes:

Shared Notes is the joint venture between wife and husband winemaking team, Bibiana González Rave and Jeff Pisoni. While these two incredibly talented and passionate winemakers make wines separate from each other, Cattleya and Pisoni Vineyards respectively, 2012 marked the first vintage that they produced wine together.

A true homage to this legendary Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, the 2023 Shared Notes Les leçons des maîtres is a stunning example of the old adage that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Incredibly bright notes of key lime, white peach and grape uit are enhanced by rich aromas of Casa Blanca lilies and guirlande d’Amour. As this wine coats the palate, flavors of nectarine and citrus awaken to add volume and supple texture. The Sauvignon Blanc brings acidity which cuts a razor sharp edge through the so , textured roundness brought on by the addition of Sémillon and the influence of 100% new French oak barrel aging. This stunning blend begs to be enjoyed now, but will continue to age gracefully for as long as the temptation of removing the cork can be resisted.

75% Sauvignon Blanc 25% Semillon

Ritchie Vineyard, Kick Ranch Vineyard, Merino Vineyard

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Vinous:
The 2023 Les leçons des maîtres is, quite simply, divine. Comprising mostly fruit from 50-year-old vines in Ritchie, the 2023 was fermented in barrel and aged in 100% new French oak for ten months. This is so deeply minerally intense and rich. The density and weight conferred by the old vines is unmistakable, as is the phenolic power of Sémillon. Green apple, lemon confit, sweet mint and chalk build through the broad, focused finish. The 2023 is one of the best domestic Sauvignon Blanc-based wines out there, hands down.  (Drink between 2025-2040)

95 Points - Decanter:
An impressive Sauvignon Blanc blended with 25% Semillon from the Russian River Valley. It has radiant aromatics, candied ginger, lemon oil and wonderful ocean air salinity. The palate is concentrated with a mineral intensity that carries the salted lemon wedge and piquant Meyer lemon pulp. Crushed river rock and briny oyster shells make a lively showing at the finish.

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
Complex and precise, with sea salt and white tea alongside fragrant notes of white flowers and white pepper that complement the core of guava and peach. Delicate, offering a long, lingering finish, plus pretty accents of ginger and lemon balm. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now. 195 cases made.

94 Points - James Suckling:
Fantastic freshness and verve in this small-production blend of sauvignon blanc with 25% semillon. So crisp, minerally, tight and tangy. Alive with acidity, it’s mouthwatering, stony, chalky and almost electric in its energy. Fermented in new French barrels. Drink or hold.