Cadre Stone Blossom Sauvignon Blanc 2023

At Cadre, John and Lucy Niven bring a passion to white wines from the Edna Valley and San Luis Obispo Coast that is unsurpassed by any other California vintners. With over 25 years in the region, John and Lucy have built off of a family legacy that began with his grandfather’s pioneering plantings in 1973. John helped bring Albariño and Grüner Veltliner to prominence in California in the early 2000's and remains a champion of the San Luis Obispo Coast as one of the world’s great regions for white wine. 

Just five miles from the Pacific, Cadre's vineyards benefit from extreme coastal conditions and diverse oceanic and volcanic soils…perfect for producing vibrant, mineral-driven white wines filled with energy. At Cadre, the Niven's explore the full potential of cool-climate aromatic whites with Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Albariño. The results are turning heads and earning praise from top wine critics.

Unlike at Cadre, 99% of Sauvignon Blanc in California is grown in a warm climate. Cool climate Sauvignon Blanc is rare here, yet it’s the norm for the greatest SB's in the world (think Sancerre and Marlborough). Cadre feels honored to be at the forefront of leading the cool climate Sauvignon Blanc charge on the California coast.

Cadre 'Stone Blossom' Sauvignon Blanc joins Clone 1, Musqué Clone, and ENTAV Clone 530 (a Loire Valley clone). This vintage, the Niven's were excited to start working with the Salaal Vineyard in the heart of the Edna Valley. Here, they source both Clone 1 and the Musqué Clone, a new addition that adds a delightful floral aroma to this wine. At the Paragon Vineyard, they continue to work with Clone 530. This clone, planted on the north side of the property in iron and volcanic soils, ripens earlier and has much lower pyrazines than Clone 1. It brings a unique and fascinating dimension. Crafted from old vines and a new clonal source, this extreme cool climate Sauvignon Blanc represents a promising, outside-the-box SB expression from California.

The 2023 vintage stands out as one of the coolest on record, resulting in a wine with pronounced salty citrus, herbal and mineral aromas. The wine opens with zesty citrus notes complemented by spicy, herbal green undertones. Subtle hints of green apple, cucumber, and melon linger in the background, along with floral aromas of exotic spice and coriander. The nose also carries an appealing earthiness that harmonizes beautifully with the bright citrus promise.

Imagine if there were Sauvignon Blanc pop rocks…this wine is right there with its explosive freshness on the palate.  Don’t let the energy fool you, there is a ton of texture to this wine that brings out a complex collection of flavors.   Salty citrus fruit leads, followed by earthy green herbal notes that are rounded out by melon and peach.  All of this is framed by mouthwatering minerality.  You can taste the age and wisdom of these vines and their five decades of coexistence with the nearby Pacific Ocean.  This is definitely not your typical California SB and we loved it!