1991 Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest

"The winemaker at Renaissance is Gideon Beinstock this Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 1991 was made by his predecessor Diana Werner. This is not a “re-release” as sometimes happens when wineries hold back part of a production of a vintage to put into the market 10 years later right now marks the first release of this wine. So: The color is medium gold with a sheen of brassy topaz the bouquet seethes with super-ripe peach and apricot, hints of litchi and mango, smoked honey and lime peel. In the mouth, the wine is sumptuous and opulent, with a sweet entry, but brilliant acid cuts like a blade through marzipan, keeping the wine dry from mid-palate back. To flavors of buttered toffee and cinnamon toast add a hint of sauvignon blanc’s dried herbs and grass, a touch of candied lime peel, layers of limestone and wrap it all up in a finish that’s spare, austere, even a bit demanding, as if you’re being challenged to understand the significance of the nectar you just imbibed. 89 cases. 13 percent alcohol. Now through 2011 to ‘15."

" A distinctive pale orange color in the glass, this wine has an astonishing nose of cloves, orange rind and fresh honey. In the mouth it is lightly sweet with no hint of syrupiness, and remarkable acidity given its age. Its primary flavors are of orange blossom and honey, both of which linger with herbal tones on a nice finish. This is quite a distinctive wine that may not have the depth and complexity of some of the world's great dessert wines, but could complete with some of them on personality alone."

Score: around 9.

Finally, the Renaissance Vineyard 1991 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc was not the Sauternes lmposter one might have expected but a very unique profile, sharp and steely in its acidity while still intensely sweet and luscious, the fruit towards the tropical and even strawberry (!) so evocatively that if you closed your eyes you might figure it for a rosé.