2021 The Setting Sauvignon Blanc

The Setting Wines is an artisanal winemaking venture from Jesse Katz and two partners. Katz is a young, already highly acclaimed winemaker who has worked for prestigious California and Argentine wineries. He and his business partners decided to start The Setting Wines as an homage to the idea that the perfect setting, not just grape growing terroir but also the company of family and friends, is part of what makes a perfect wine. The estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The limited production wines are generally available only through the estate’s mailing list.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This crisp, dry white wine hails from France but is grown in wine regions around the world. In California, it is sometimes called Fume Blanc; while in Sauternes, it is a component of their famous dessert wines.