Wine Details
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 12.8%
pH: 3.22
TA: 7.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 1.4 g/L (Dry)
Production: 355 cases
Bottle Price: $30
2023 Ode to Joy Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, Vibrant, and Refreshing
Winemaking
Harvest Date: September 18, 2023
Aging: 5 months
Vessel: 90% stainless steel, 10% neutral French oak
Lees Contact: Sur lie aging for texture
Fermentation: Cool fermentation, selected yeast
Bottling Date: February 15, 2024
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Brilliant pale straw with green-tinged edges. Light to medium body with delicate legs, showcasing the wine's elegance and purity.
Nose
Intensely aromatic with vibrant citrus - lime, lemon zest, and grapefruit peel. Notes of gooseberry, green apple, and crisp white peach. Pronounced herbal character with fresh-cut grass, bell pepper, and elderflower. Subtle flinty minerality adds depth.
Palate
Electric acidity and razor-sharp freshness. Flavors of lime juice, green apple, and white grapefruit dominate. Mid-palate reveals gooseberry, jalapeño, and wet stone minerality. The cooler vintage produces exceptional precision and purity with a linear, focused structure.
Finish
Crisp and incredibly refreshing with persistent citrus and mineral notes. The high acidity creates a mouthwatering, palate-cleansing finish. This vintage represents textbook cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc with remarkable intensity and focus. A benchmark example of the variety.
Food Pairing
This crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with:
Seafood & Shellfish
Oysters, grilled fish tacos, ceviche, sushi, or steamed mussels with white wine and herbs
Fresh & Light
Goat cheese salad, asparagus with lemon, Caesar salad, or fresh spring rolls
Herbs & Citrus
Chicken piccata, herb-crusted halibut, lemon risotto, or pesto pasta
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage was a return to classic cool-climate conditions in Russian River Valley. Extended fog coverage and moderate temperatures preserved extraordinary acidity and aromatic intensity. Later harvest allowed for full flavor development while maintaining low sugar levels. This vintage showcases Sauvignon Blanc at its purest - vibrant, focused, and unmistakably varietal. The cool conditions produced a wine of exceptional freshness and aging potential.
Drinking Window
Peak: 2024-2026
The high acidity suggests this vintage will age more gracefully than typical, maintaining freshness through 2027.
Purchase This Wine
Available for purchase directly from Hillside Estate Winery
Visit Winery Website →