A few months back, we presented two incredible bargains from Ian Brand and his Paysan label, and we've seen you come back for them time and time again. Well, we just tasted the Paysan Sauvignon Blanc, and can attest that this is another incredible bargain from Ian, and this wine has just received a wonderful 93-point score!
As mentioned before, Owner/winemaker Ian Brand puts a lot of miles on his car searching out and spending time in vineyards. He likes dirt roads, 12" vinyl, point breaks and hiding in the barrel room. He makes single vineyard, old vine bottles from some of California's most exceptional and historic vineyards. And in addition, he makes "village" inspired wines from the Central Coast that over-deliver for their respective price points, and he labels these under the Paysan label.
The vineyards Ian works with are not famous; but then again, there was a point in which To Kalon, Pisoni, Sanford & Benedict, and Bien Nacido were unknowns. Yet, all the vineyards that comprise the Paysan wines share similarities to those now well-known vineyards, such as proper climate, dry summers, adequate sunshine, and soils that make the vines struggle, therefore concentrating flavors. In addition, the growers work hard in the sun, adjusting the growth pattern of the vines depending on the vintage.
The 800+ acres of vines of the Zabala Vineyard were originally part of the Zabala family's land grant from Alta California's brief tenure in independent Mexico. Located off of Los Coches Road, where the Arroyo Seco River flows underground in the deep sand and rock deposits born down from the Santa Lucia Range, it is among the rockiest and windiest vineyards in California. It's besotted with granite cobblestones and blasted by the daily winds that flow off the Monterey Bay and funnel down the long valley. 100% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, this clone emphasizes the perfume and fruit of Sauvignon Blanc. Picked around 21 brix and fermented in 2/3 stainless steel at controlled temperatures and 1/3 neutral on lees until bottling, arrested malic for brightness and complexity of textures and aromatics.
This bright and invigorating Sauvignon Blanc has a medium-straw color with a lovely silver hue, leading to aromas of lemongrass, green apple, lime, and a kiss of melon. On the palate it's refreshing and mouth-watering, but not tart, and displays hints of melon, mandarin orange, and saltwater taffy. This is a great wine enjoy by the poolside, or to accompany salads, chicken dishes with lemon, and of course, with friends!
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "From a windswept, rocky basin of Arroyo Seco, planted to Musque clone, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Paysan Zabala Vineyard retains plenty of acidity and has a pretty sunniness to its light-bodied wispiness. The organically grown grapes also offer layers of texture and delicacy, finishing in dried herb and sea spray. Drink now."
As mentioned before, Owner/winemaker Ian Brand puts a lot of miles on his car searching out and spending time in vineyards. He likes dirt roads, 12" vinyl, point breaks and hiding in the barrel room. He makes single vineyard, old vine bottles from some of California's most exceptional and historic vineyards. And in addition, he makes "village" inspired wines from the Central Coast that over-deliver for their respective price points, and he labels these under the Paysan label.
The vineyards Ian works with are not famous; but then again, there was a point in which To Kalon, Pisoni, Sanford & Benedict, and Bien Nacido were unknowns. Yet, all the vineyards that comprise the Paysan wines share similarities to those now well-known vineyards, such as proper climate, dry summers, adequate sunshine, and soils that make the vines struggle, therefore concentrating flavors. In addition, the growers work hard in the sun, adjusting the growth pattern of the vines depending on the vintage.
The 800+ acres of vines of the Zabala Vineyard were originally part of the Zabala family's land grant from Alta California's brief tenure in independent Mexico. Located off of Los Coches Road, where the Arroyo Seco River flows underground in the deep sand and rock deposits born down from the Santa Lucia Range, it is among the rockiest and windiest vineyards in California. It's besotted with granite cobblestones and blasted by the daily winds that flow off the Monterey Bay and funnel down the long valley. 100% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, this clone emphasizes the perfume and fruit of Sauvignon Blanc. Picked around 21 brix and fermented in 2/3 stainless steel at controlled temperatures and 1/3 neutral on lees until bottling, arrested malic for brightness and complexity of textures and aromatics.
This bright and invigorating Sauvignon Blanc has a medium-straw color with a lovely silver hue, leading to aromas of lemongrass, green apple, lime, and a kiss of melon. On the palate it's refreshing and mouth-watering, but not tart, and displays hints of melon, mandarin orange, and saltwater taffy. This is a great wine enjoy by the poolside, or to accompany salads, chicken dishes with lemon, and of course, with friends!
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "From a windswept, rocky basin of Arroyo Seco, planted to Musque clone, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Paysan Zabala Vineyard retains plenty of acidity and has a pretty sunniness to its light-bodied wispiness. The organically grown grapes also offer layers of texture and delicacy, finishing in dried herb and sea spray. Drink now."
