Deep straw color; citrus, gooseberry, lemongrass on the nose; lemon-lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, melon, tropical fruit on the palate.
Dry; good, cutting acidity (3.3 pH). Cold fermented to entice aromatics. No malolactic fermentation to preserve acidity. Complete process in stainless steel, no oak. Light-plus body with slight oiliness. Refreshing, crisp, simple. A journeyman sauv blanc that does its job with good acidity. Slightly herbaceous. Food-friendly. Acidity and straightforward fruit are its virtues. 13.5% ABV
The winery has pop musical culture back story. The original owner, Bruce Cohn, is more famous as the longtime (more than 40 years) manager of the Doobie Brothers band. Cohn has a music heritage—his father sang Italian arias and mom sang with Frank Sinatra in the Chicago nightclub scene.
In 1974, Cohn purchased an old dairy in Glen Ellen in Sonoma to balance his Doobie Brothers life. He became involved in the winery and olive ambiance of the property (it is called Olive Hills Estate), first selling grapes to other vintners, then founding B.R. Cohn Winery in 1984. In 1990, he began producing the first single-estate olive oil in California in more than a century. Wine and olive oil are classic marriages, and the property continues to produce both today.
The winery is located on a 90-acre estate nestled between the Mayacamas Mountain Range and Sonoma Mountain in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Through its years, it has employed some iconic winemakers—legendary Helen Turley and Merry Edwards for starters. Glenn Hugo is the B.R. Cohn winemaker today. In 2015, Cohn sold the wine operation to Vintage Wine Estates, although the Cohn family continues to live on the property. Cohn also continues to manage the Doobie Brothers—“Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Running,” “Black Water,” the hits go on and on.
In addition to B.R. Cohn, Vintage Wine Estates brands include Cosentino, Delectus Winery, Sonoma Coast Vineyard (SCV), Viansa, and many others—and also is a partnership with Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits. Deutsch brands include Yellow Tail, Josh Cellars, Ruta 22, Georges Duboeuf and many others.
B.R. Cohn Silver Label Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 2018 is simple, everyday sauv blanc. The citrus and tropical fruits carry the day married to very good acidity. Good QPR (quality-price ratio) when you can shag it discounted; not so much at the higher suggested price. Good news—it often is discounted. Pair with shellfish and seafood in general; stone crab brunch on Sunday; lobster; sushi; spicy Thai food; poultry—lemon and basil grilled chicken; vegetarian fare; goat cheese, cheddar, gruyere. $12-18
