This wine was given to me when I visited Raphael back in the summer, and it took me this long to open the bottle.  Richard Olsen-Harbich gave this to me on my way out.  I have been meaning to open this for a while, but just could not find the right time.  So I just decided to open this one day for the hell of it and drink it by itself.  Glad I did.

Grand Cru is a French term mainly described as a location of great growth.  This location at Raphael Vineyards is a small lot of younger vines.  They also have a first label bottling of this, the first label is from older vines, vines from the beginning of Raphael.

On the nose I was getting some pear, grapefruit and citrus.  There were some elements of ocean rocks and a touch of honeydew melon at the end.

The taste is where I was digging this wine; I was picking up some fresh lemon and fresh summer herbs.  It had a little fresh-cut grass element that was very enjoyable.  It reminded me of the summer on this cold wintery night.  I was also picking up some of that melon that I was picking up on the nose.

Now for the best part, there was some awesomely good acidity with this wine.  There was a zinging almost bubbly like sensation on my tongue.  It was quenching my thirst and clearing my palate.

I was envisioning some seared scallops and some fettuccini alfredo.  I guess I will have to pick up another one of these bottles for $16.95 the next time I am at Raphael and make the dishes I just mentioned.

If you find this in your local wine shop, pick it up.  When you need to bring something to your holiday party, don’t grab a bottle of Barefoot Pinot Grigio, grab a bottle of this Sauvignon Blanc, you will be invited back next year.