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La Randonnée Wines 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Taking the road less traveled
In Oregon, we call it a hike. In Australia, a walkabout. In France, la randonnée.
The story of La Randonnée Wines is the story of Kevin Green’s journey to perfect his own style of natural, sustainable winemaking. (The name is also a bit of an homage to the Irish “hill walking club” where Kevin met his wife, Clodagh.)
Kevin grew up on a farm in Iowa and inherited his love of the land from his parents. Before striking out on his own, Kevin spent a decade in the Oregon wine industry, as well as years studying with winemakers in Burgundy and New Zealand. In 2014, he and Clodagh launched La Randonnée in order to pursue his own winemaking style, balancing his technical skills and his creative vision. He is also currently the winemaker at Apolloni Vineyards, a favorite of Cellar 503 members.
His commitment to natural winemaking and environmental preservation means that La Randonnée only sources fruit from sustainably-farmed vineyards and whose practices are LIVE certified – the highest certification in the world for sustainable viticulture.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
La Randonnée Wines, Hillsboro, Oregon
2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc has such an amazing range of flavors. From the over-the-top vegetal New Zealand style that can sometimes taste like freshly mowed grass to the sophisticated and austere styles of French Sancerre, and even lush and tropical flavors in warmer climates.
This Sauvignon Blanc from La Randonnée is more in line with the French style than the New Zealand style. But with Kevin Green, who has worked in both countries, you know that’s a very deliberate choice.
You’ll immediately notice the pale color in this bottle. But don’t let that deter you. This is a very aromatic wine. The grapes come from one of the highest quality vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and the wine was fermented entirely in stainless steel.
While you’ll get some of the traditional herbal notes, you’ll also get flavors of peach, lychee, tropical fruits and white flowers. There is perfectly balanced acidity and a long refreshing finish. You might think that this wine is only for warm summer nights, but try it with any of your favorite spicy Thai dishes or foods with lots of cream or butter and it will shine through!
A Cellar 503 selection in December 2022, Holiday Wines Willamette Valley | Sauvignon Blanc
