The Wine: The Carica 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Sauvignon Musque, is made in a classic style like the great wines of Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre.  With clean, tropical flavors and crisp acidity, Carica Sauvignon Blanc opens with floral notes and aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and gooseberry with a hint of  toasty oak.  Tasting of guava, fig and passion fruit, the wine has a prolonged, refreshing lime accented  finish.  A perfect accompaniment to lighter fare such as poultry, shellfish and other seafood, because of its intensity and clean finish this wine will also pair well with heartier cream based preparations.

The Vineyard: Kick Ranch has evolved from Dick Keenan and Kathy McNamara’s vision to develop a premier vineyard in Rincon Valley, north east of Santa Rosa.  Using sustainable viticulture practices, this 41 acre vineyard produces outstanding Sauvignon Blanc grapes, as well as highly sought-after Syrah and Petite Sirah.

Winemaker:  Charles M. Dollbaum

Technical Notes:  Carica 2006 Sauvignon Blanc
Harvested September 14, 2006
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sauvignon Musque
Harvested cold in early morning hours, whole cluster pressed and cold settled for 36 hours prior to racking and start of fermentation.

Average values from tank post settling and prior to fermentation:
Brix :                     24.3
pH   :                     3.3
Titratable acidity: 0.73g/100ml

90% of wine cold fermented for 45 days in stainless steel tank to dryness at an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  10% of the wine was barrel fermented in new French oak with lees stirring and blended back into tank fermented wine prior to cold stabilization.
Bottled April 10, 2007