It isn’t easy overseeing 1300 acres of grapes. Such is the job for Kent Waliser, general manager of Sagemoor Vineyards. Sitting across from Kent, he talked about his love for great White Bordeaux. We chatted about some of our favorite editions including a scintillating 2004 Margaux (Pavillion Blanc) that I tasted for my birthday last year.
For many years Kent had the vision to have his own wines made using top winemaking talent, somewhat akin to the Long Shadows project. It took him some time but he has teamed up with the likes of Ali Mayfield and even Chris Peterson to craft some really gorgeous wines from some esteemed sites in the Columbia Valley.
I love the new 2019 Sagemoor ‘Without Rehearsal’ White Wine (OB, 93) which is mainly old vine Sauvignon Blanc and shows a beautiful textures and good length. Just as good is his 2016 Sagemoor ‘Stars In A Row’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is a glorious and intense wine made by the talented John Abbott. Learn more about these great wines at https://selectionsbysagemoor.com and here are my notes on the new wines by Sagemoor.
2016 Sagemoor ‘Without Rehearsal’ White Wine- A large portion of Selillon was blended in. The nutty and earty tones aromatically entice with a silky mouthful. Dense honeydew melon, salted cashew and shades of wild mushroom with tilled soils all combine on the palate. Drink 2021-2027- 91
2018 Sagemoor ‘Without Rehearsal’ White Wine- The 2018 ‘Without Rehearsal’ blends neatly all Sauvignon Blanc (88%) with the remainder Semillon. Nutty and damp earthy tones combine with pink grapefruit blossom and lychee on the nose. The palate shows a silky mouthfeel and soft texture. Layers of pretty melon fruits mingle with minerals, lime zest and shades of salted Macafamia nut on the palate. This finishes with glorious length. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2019 Sagemoor ‘Without Rehearsal’ White Wine- They’ve elected to blend in just 7% Semillon here, a massive departure compared to their first bottling in 2016. The nose shows ripe melon tones alongside orange blossom, tilled soils and flinty undertones. The palate is very refined with a silky texture. Gooseberry and Japanese pear with white flowers and stony undertones all impress on the palate. This is gorgeous Bordeaux style white wine that has some seriously good aging potential. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2019 Sagemoor ‘Estate White Blend’ White Wine- A large portion of Semillon blended in (28%) with the Sauvignon Blanc. This is lithe and beautifully textured with cantaloupe and green papaya with salted cashew nut on the palate. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2017 Sagemoor ‘Miguel The Man’ Red Wine- A beautifully crafted blend by Chris Peterson of 70% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc this was entirely sourced from block 11 and 12 the ‘Weinbau Vineyard’ as this was inspired by the wines of St. Emillion. Dense dark fruits with tobacco leaf and sagebrush with milk chocolate notes mark the nose. The palate is rich and refined with chocolate covered red cherry, fresh mint, red raspberry cordial and herbal undertones all impress on the palate. This is beautifully structure wine that has a long way to go. Drink 2021-2033- 92
2015 Sagemoor ‘Stars In A Row’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Fresh sage and cassis notes mark the nose with dark chocolate and blackberry aromatic undertones. The palate is silky with layers of ripe dark currant cordial, mocha, tar and scorched earth with lighter saline tones. This shows good flavor density considering the vintage. Drink 2021-2027- 91
2016 Sagemoor ‘Stars In A Row’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An outstanding blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Merlot, this is sourced from old vine Dinoysus Cabernet from back in 1988. Blueberry and violets with shades of wet stone and blackberry compote all combine on the nose. The palate is plush with good richness and refinement. Black and blue fruits mingle with minerals, sagebrush and flinty undertones on the palate. Drinking beautifully now even in its youth, this has fifteen years of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2037- 93