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| THEA is a small family-owned winery in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, California. We practice organic and sustainable farming methods in collaboration with our vineyard manager, Sonoma County farming legend Duff Bevill. THEA is a collaboration between proprietors Daniel Donahoe and Alexis Woods and wine maker Bill Knuttel. Bill was the founding winemaker at Saintsbury Vineyard, crafted fine wines at Chalk Hill Estate Winery & Vineyards and is currently the consulting winemaker for Dry Creek Vineyard in Healdsburg. 2008 THEA "Kay's Vineyard" Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($22.99) From vine to the bottle, this single-vineyard wine was crafted to capture the freshness and vitality of Dry Creek Valley's best grapes. Dry Creek Valley enjoys hot days and cool nights during the growing season for Sauvignon Blanc. This ensures ideal ripeness of the grapes, with high natural acidity. Harvested at an ideal ripeness-to-acidity ratio, the 2008 THEA Sauvignon Blanc was then fermented in stainless steel. Fermentation in steel with no oak aging allows this estate-grown fruit to shine without any flavors imparted from oak barrels. At 13.5% alcohol, the 2008 THEA Sauvignon Blanc is well-balanced, crisp, light and dry with ripe citrus fruit flavors. Tasting notes: Classic Sancerre-like aromas of minerals, lemon zest, and citrus strike a perfect balance between New World and Old World style on the nose and palate. Light and crisp on the attack, the mid-palate shows strong tropical fruit notes of kiwi, grapefruit and even tangerine. Balance and elegance are key descriptors of this wine. Light, crisp and dry, this wine finishes extremely clean with a bright acidity that begs for another sip. Drink now through 2011. Pairing suggestions: Fish, shellfish, chicken, turkey, salads, vegetarian dishes or simply as a light, refreshing cocktail. > Read Main Line and Bucks Magazine Wine Article on THEA Sauvignon Blanc by Jonathan Newman (PDF) Thea Sauvignon Blanc review: Jonathan Newman - 91/100 "Thea is unusual in Sonoma County because it specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, and that focus is why this is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs from the area. Proprietors Daniel Donahoe and Alexis Woods had access to some of the best vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. Woods' father founded Clos du Bois and still has extensive vineyard holdings in the area. The vineyards are farmed using organic methods, and the wine is made by Bill Knuttel, who is head winemaker at well-known Dry Creek Vineyard. This is a fresh, crisp wine with flavors of grapefruit, pear and tropical fruit. It's well-balanced and extremely refreshing -- the perfect wine for a fall day. Have a glass as an aperitif, or enjoy it with all kinds of lighter food: salads, fish, shellfish, chilled pasta salad." |
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