($40): Matanzas Creek, a pioneering Sonoma County winery founded in 1977, produces five different and distinctive Sauvignon Blanc, each reflecting the origin of the grapes.  You can practically taste and feel the volcanic soil in this Helena Bench bottling, which gives the wine individuality rarely found with this variety in California.  The edgy quality characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc is apparent, but not overwhelming.  Overall, the Helena Bench bottling has a larger profile than the one from Bennett Valley, but is still impeccably balanced.  I suggest that those of you who remain skeptical about the idea concept of terroir try these two Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc side-by-side.  Not only will you be convinced, you’ll have a difficult job decided which of them you prefer.
92 Michael Apstein Jul 14, 2015