Mini-vertical of Mendocino SB

[Bucko]

Husch, Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino. A three-year vertical, 97-99, was tasted at lunch yesterday. The 97 is a powerhouse, with lemon/citrus aromas and flavors, lean, steely, a hint of grassiness, and still quite youthful -- very good. The grapes were harvested September 2-5, one of the earliest years that they have picked at Husch. The 98 (a rough year for grapes to ripen) was less intense, soft, less acidic bite, a touch of the mown hay, and should be consumed short term. The grapes were harvested October 6-9. The 1999 falls in-between the other two, having nice lemon fruit, vanilla nuances, and food-friendly acidity. There is just a hint of herbaceousness on the aftertaste. Harvest time was September 13-24.

I continue to be unimpressed (in general) with the 98 vintage in N. CA, with thin, unripe flavors.

Bucko