Alysian Wines, which was founded in a collaboration between the Hambrecht Family and wine legend, Gary Farrell, makes their return today, with a truly exceptional wine. Their Alysian Wines 2017 Grist Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc is everything that we’ve come to expect from this exceptional boutique winery.

The Grist vineyard is managed by Alysian winemaker, Woody Hambrecht, and has been in his family since the late 1970s. Grist sits at 1200 feet elevation on the western ridge above the Dry Creek Valley. This is some of the only mountaintop Sauvignon Blanc plantings in the United States. Unlike most SB plantings that are pushed for very high yields, Grist produces about 3 tons / acre leading to what we feel to be some of the best quality SB grapes we have seen come out of California.

In the glass, this delicate SB is almost clear, shimmering with faint peridot hues. Any fan of Sauvignon Blanc will instantly fall in love with its classic, clean, varietally correct nose of tangerine, quince, slate, loquat, and Asian pear. Delicious floral notes of jasmine and elderflower are gloriously complimented by honeydew melon, fresh apricot, and lychee. Perfectly crisp, with cooling acidity that makes the fruit notes “pop”, carrying all the way through to a truly delicious finish. It’d be excellent with an aperitif of prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe.

Woody Hambrecht and Joseph Ryan are co-winemakers on this fantastic project. Woody is a third generation wine maven, and Joseph, who joined the team in 2016 has worked in production, winemaking, and viticulture at esteemed wineries like Porter Creek and Flowers. This formidable pair makes some of the best wines in the Dry Creek Valley.

The Hambrecht family has been in the California wine business for over 45 years, partnering in esteemed brands like Ridge, Chalone, Bradford Mountain, and Truett Hurst. Bill Hambrecht was among the first visionary business owners to open a winery on Healdsburg’s picturesque Westside Road in 1982. Belvedere Winery marked the beginning of what would become a family tradition and commitment to producing wines of the utmost quality.

It’s this commitment to excellence that led to Alysian Wines, which is the result of the 2006 partnership between the Hambrechts and veteran winemaker, Gary Farrell. Sourced from only the best vineyards, Alysian’s multiple award-winning wines strike a delicate balance with flavor profiles that delight both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Cheers!