Livermore, California, United States
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines.
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Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc
| SKU | 983825 |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Livermore Valley, CA |
| Type | White |
| Varietal | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Listing | Speculative |
| Case Config. | 12x750ml |
| Available In | BC AB MB SK |
Colour
Brilliant straw-lemon.
Aroma
Hints of peach, apple and floral notes on the nose.
Flavour
Bright citrus with a touch of lime make way for wonderful acidity and mild grassy notes on the palate. This wine delivers a long, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing
Enjoy with all types of fish, seafood, and poultry; pairs well with luncheon salad dishes and as an aperitif.
More Info
Sustainability Spotlight: Wente took on what is the elephant in the room for the industry worldwide: packaging. ‘Packaging accounts for 30% to 40% of a wine’s carbon footprint,’ Aly Wente says. Addressing this issue, Wente Vineyards has lightened the (empty) bottle for its widely distributed Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc to just 405 grams. Most bottles weigh in at about 500g and many run up to 900g, if not more. Wente calls the initiative ‘losing weight on purpose’. (Decanter, Aug/2022)
A French emigrant, Louis Mel travelled the western United States in the 1870's seeking a place to make wines to rival the great French Crus. He found the ideal home in the Livermore Valley. Acquiring Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon cuttings from the Marquis de Lur-Saluces, owner of the famed Chateau Y'quem, he planted them in his vineyards. The Wente family acquired the Louis Mel estate in the 1930's, where the descendants of these vines, located in the southern Livermore Valley, live in gravel and loam soils similar to the terroir of their native Bordeaux. This Sauvignon Blanc comes from various vineyards across the Livermore Valley. The different microclimates add complexity to the fruit forward style of this wine. All of the vineyards are sustainably farmed and harvested at a relatively low sugar level to retain the natural acidity. The grapes were cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain their natural vibrancy. Aged in stainless steel tanks.
The Tasting Panel, July/2024
2023 -
"Peach blossom, cashew, creamed corn, and pineapple are glorious - fragrant and mouthwatering."
Wine Enthusiast, June/2024
2023 -
BEST BUY "Subtle aromas of lemon peel, lime zest and cut grass make for a pleasantly refreshing nose on this bottling. The palate is mellow in texture and pleasing in flavors, offering nectarine and pear elements." — Matt Kettmann
Wine Spectator, Nov/2024
2023 -
"Stylish and fragrant, with a note of jasmine leaping out of the glass, leading to Key lime, lemon sherbet and fresh apple flavors on the palate. Details of mango and passion fruit linger on the finish, with a hint of green tea. Drink now. 8,700 cases made. From California." - MaryAnn Worobiec
James Suckling, May/2024
2023 -
"A fresh and clean white with sliced apples, lemon pith and white flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied, dry and crisp, with vivid acidity and a bitter citrus peel note at the end..."
Wine Enthusiast, Mar/2024
2022 -
"Polished aromas of grass and grapefruit peel meet with wet cement on the very familiar nose of this bottling, which is named for the Frenchman who brought these Chateau D'Yquem cuttings to California generations ago. The palate is subtle in similar flavors, with a texture that grows more compelling toward the finish."
The Tasting Panel, Jul/2023
2022 -
"Aromas of Italian herbs and limoncello dive into a palate with a rich mouthfeel and notes of honeysuckle and mango. The acidity is fresh and the crisp finish of lemon blossom is satisfyingly clean."
James Suckling, May/2023
2022 -
"Aromas of ripe lemons, golden apples, acacia and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with fresh, floral and citrusy character and a vivid finish. Drink now. Screw cap."
The Tasting Panel, Jul/2022
2021 -
"The freshness of this wine is apparent in its scents and flavours of just-squeezed grapefruit. Its notes of powdered white-flower petals are a treat within a sleek, salty profile. Lemon drop and crisp pear highilght high-toned acidity."
Wine & Spirits, Aug/2022
2021 -
Decanter, Aug/2022
2021 -
"Vibrant and light on its feet, this sustainable Sauvignon Blanc opens with delicate floral, green melon and white stone fruit over a core of honeyed citrus. Grapefruit, green herb and a juicy mineral quality lead to a dry finish. While the bottle carries the broad Central Coast appellation, the majority of fruit for this wine comes from Livermore Valley vineyards originally planted by storied French emigrant Louis Mel (with cuttings obtained from then Château Yquem owner, the Marquis de Lur-Saluces), which the Wente family acquired in the 1930s."
The Tasting Panel, Nov/2021
2020 -
"Aromas of golden apple and lemon blossom lead to a stony path along the palate, gently strewn with notes of white tea flowers. The crisp, vivacious, lime-kissed frame keeps things fresh and balanced."
Tom Firth, Culinaire Magazine, Jan/2022
2020 -
"Sauvignon Blanc - especially outside of New Zealand examples - is criminally underrated. Wente ... is serving up a bright and crisp Sauvignon Blanc with zesty citrus notes, a bit of tropical fruits and peach, but also clean zippy acids with none of that cut grass or gooseberry A great wine that is priced right for a weeknight, and should rock some lighter seafoods or grilled poultry."
The Tasting Panel, Apr/May/2021
2019 -
"Cold fermented in stainless steel, this crisp white is anchored by aromatics and flavors of citrus, from lime to grapefruit, with complementary hints of Asian pear and chamomile. Minerality rings all the bells and whistles within the lean profile, which finishes with floral notes, white tea, and cantaloupe."
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
2018 -
Gold Medal
The Tasting Panel, Jul/2019
2017 -
"This estate-grown Sauv Blanc is named for French emigrant Louis Mel, who sought to emulate the great French crus after finding a home in Livermore Valley in the late 19th century. He was able to take possession of—and plant—cuttings of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from the owner of Château d’Yquem. In the 1930s, the Wente family acquired the Louis Mel estate, where the descendants of these heritage vines grow in gravel and loam soils similar to their ancestors’ native Bordeaux. Cold-fermented and aged in stainless-steel tanks, this wine is blended with 1% Sémillon and 1% Gewürztraminer. The resulting clean, crisp aromas of kiwi and lime combine with a hint of white pepper; the palate is defined by white flowers arranged in a bouquet with lemon drops and sunshine-dappled tarragon. A chalky minerality comes in and stays through the finish. 92"
Wine & Spirits Magazine, Jun/2017
2015 -
California State Fair, Jul/2016
2014 -
Best of Class of Region and Gold Medal
Los Angeles International Wine Awards 2016
2014 -
Gold and Best of Class
Wine Enthusiast, Dec/2015
2013 -
Best Buy "Flinty, mineral-like aromas and flavors lend a complex personality to this compelling, medium-bodied wine. The palate is crisp, dry and citrus-driven, inviting another sip and begging for some fresh-shucked oysters."
Natalie MacLean, Feb/2014
2011 -
"Crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc, without heavy oak and at a remarkably great price. Try this with fresh seafood or cheeses."