2011 Soliste Lune et Soleil Sauvignon Blanc

Soliste is a collaboration between two couples dedicated to Burgundian wines. Elisabeth and Claude Koeberle and Beth and Donald Plumley established their estate in 2005, sourcing grapes from Sonoma Coast vineyards. The estate name comes from the word that Burgundy winemakers use for the barrel of wine they put away for family and friends. Along with Pinot Noir, Soliste also produces Syrah, rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The wine is primarily available only via 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.