Cellar Cat Chat- Slouch Hat Sauvignon Blanc

Hi! Po’Boy Fowler live from the cellar where today I learned “cat pee” is a common aroma in Sauvignon Blanc. Hmmm. Luckily, I’ve been told that is only in New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. In California we make gorgeous Sauvignon Blancs with tropical fruit and citrus notes and well-balanced acidity that will be very refreshing this summer! If you do pick up some “cat pee” aromas, that’s my bad…

After learning about “cat pee” in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, I headed out of the cellar to learn more about Slouch Hat Wines’ Sauvignon Blanc. Here’s what I learned:

California is known for riper, less acidic Sauvignon Blancs. Think floral, white peach, melon, and citrus notes. This is especially true in Ballard Canyon, one of the most prestigious AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) on the Central Coast. Slouch Hat Wines’ Sauvignon Blanc comes from Tierra Alta Vineyards, which is the northernmost vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Within Tierra Alta the Sauvignon Blanc blocks are in the Northern most section at 1300 feet above sea level, which is the highest altitude in the vineyard, so we can proudly say our wine is the highest and northern most wine in Ballard Canyon. Does that matter? Of course, but more importantly, it’s great for marketing.

The higher altitude in the Northern section along with the West to East winds through the Santa Ynez Valley allow our Sauvignon Blanc to develop slowly without ripening too quick during the hot days. In fact, the grapes are so delicious by harvest time that wild boars ate 50% of our yield this year while leaving the rest of the vineyard alone (the week before Razorback football season… go Hogs!). Don’t worry. Next year I’m staying in the vineyard to scare them off.

Luckily, we were able to harvest half our grapes after the boars ate their share. We harvested twice during the 2022 vintage to pick the grapes at different ripeness levels. The first pick was at 21.5-degree brix (sugar level) and the second was at 23.5-degress. This gave us two different aroma and taste profiles. The first is lighter and more citrus focused while the second is a bit more rounded with notes of melon. Neither presents a harsh, biting acidity. Some of this has to do with our vineyard site, but mostly, the fact that we fermented and aged our Sauvignon Blanc in neutral oak barrels. This really distinguishes Slouch Hat Sauvignon Blanc from others you’ll find on the market. A vast majority of Sauvignon Blancs made around the world are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, which do nothing to dampen that harsh acidity that some love, but I hate.

Overall, the 2022 vintage is shaping up to be a spectacular year for Sauvignon Blanc from Ballard Canyon. The boars loved the grapes, and we love the wine the remaining grapes have produced. Sorry, we’ll have less bottles than expected, so sign up to be informed when it goes on sale! And, no, there will be no trace of “cat pee.”

Po’Boy Fowler

Chief Field Correspondent

Slouch Hat Wines