The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc from Above the Bay is a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence. Sourced from Pine Mountain and grown at an impressive elevation of 2,300 feet above sea level, these grapes benefit from extended sunlight hours and refreshing oceanic breezes. This unique environment results in fruit with intense color and bold flavors. Careful timing during the harvest ensures the wine achieves a harmonious balance of bright flavors and crisp acidity, delivering a mouthwatering glass of deliciousness that captures the essence of its origin.
Tasting Notes
Crisp and clean, this wine delivers mouth watering flavors of white peach and green apple. Serve with your favorite cheeses and appetizers as well as spicy Asian fare or chicken chili.
Specs
Varietal Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Pine Mountain - Cloverdale Peak AVA
Hand picked
Barrel fermented
Aged 6 months in neutral French oak
pH: 3.2
Alcohol: 13%
High altitude farmed at 2300 feet above sea level
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x - 2024 Above the Bay Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast
Case:
12x - 2024 Above the Bay Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast
Price Comparison
Not available on winery website, $336/case MSRP
About The Winery
Above the Bay
Owner: Michael Farmer
Founded: 2022
Location: Healdsburg, CA
Michael Farmer founded Above the Bay in 2022, marking a profound shift from his three decades in the banking industry to the pursuit of his passion for wine. After retiring early, Michael made the bold decision to return to school and dedicate himself to mastering the art and science of winemaking. His lifelong drive for both scientific inquiry and creative expression made this transition a natural fit. Above all, Michael’s mission is to craft wines that people genuinely enjoy sharing with friends and loved ones.
The Philosophy Behind Above the Bay
Above the Bay is more than just a wine label; it embodies both a sense of place and a mindset. Geographically, the brand sources its grapes from vineyards situated north of the San Francisco Bay, ensuring that each wine reflects the unique terroir of the region. By selecting the best grapes from California’s renowned wine country, Above the Bay is committed to producing wines with exceptional character and quality. Philosophically, the brand encourages stepping back from the daily hustle to focus on life’s most meaningful moments—finding your people, sharing wine, and creating lasting memories.
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@kaolis That’s the place. The drive down the mountain was a bit treacherous when I was hauling grapes, but smoking the brakes on my truck was worth it for the wine.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2024 Above the Bay Sauvignon Blanc $55 = 26.18%
The Above the Bay is a solid Sauv Blanc. TLDR; It holds its own with a pop of tart (not too much) that’s surrounded by citrus, fruity notes. I would enjoy on its own or with cheese at a picnic or bring to a summer social.
More details
It’s bright and off-dry — leans dry, but there’s a whisper of sweetness underneath. The fruit notes I got are peach, pear, and green apple, though the green apple is more subtle than other sauvs I’ve had before. Medium-bodied, no legs., no legs. The scent leans mineral, peach, pear. It’s on the acidic side — I’d pair with food that isn’t acidic like cheese (for our heartburn folks out there).
Where I would drink this wine
I’d take this to a fun summer social where the flavor can hold up in the midst of a party or with a small group in a park with a delicious assortment of cheeses!
@klezman Thanks for the notes. I also believe the off-dry description relates to the pH/fruit impact on the palate. I took this to -2.0 Brix to call the end to fermentation, so it’s definitely dry. The mouthfeel and flavor profile was on the money so I didn’t pull a final RS. TA was 7g/L and pH 3.2 which are right what was I was looking for. We really tried to nail the pick date and no modifications were needed to acid or sugar. We picked at 21 Brix to keep the ABV at the right level for a light white wine.
@AboveTheBay Thanks. Yeah, many tasters confuse fruitiness with sweetness - but figured I’d just ask the winemaker directly! I figured this was fully dry, and -2º Brix is certainly dry!!
2024 Above the Bay Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not available on winery website, $336/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 15 - Tuesday, Jun 16
2024 Above the Bay Sauvignon Blanc
4 bottles for $69.99 $17.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $154.99 $12.92/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Producer website here
If you’re old and retired like me, you probably have 10 minutes to watch this SoSonoma interview:
First vintage 2022 with 115 total cases, so definitely small production
fwiw
@kaolis
We are definitely a small production winery. I find that I can really focus on each lot and barrel to get what I am going for in each. I love it!
@AboveTheBay It’s been a while, so going on memory alone. Visited Capture early on, Pine Mountain rang a bell, Tin Cross…
@kaolis That’s the place. The drive down the mountain was a bit treacherous when I was hauling grapes, but smoking the brakes on my truck was worth it for the wine.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2024 Above the Bay Sauvignon Blanc $55 = 26.18%
The Above the Bay is a solid Sauv Blanc. TLDR; It holds its own with a pop of tart (not too much) that’s surrounded by citrus, fruity notes. I would enjoy on its own or with cheese at a picnic or bring to a summer social.
More details
It’s bright and off-dry — leans dry, but there’s a whisper of sweetness underneath. The fruit notes I got are peach, pear, and green apple, though the green apple is more subtle than other sauvs I’ve had before. Medium-bodied, no legs., no legs. The scent leans mineral, peach, pear. It’s on the acidic side — I’d pair with food that isn’t acidic like cheese (for our heartburn folks out there).
Where I would drink this wine
I’d take this to a fun summer social where the flavor can hold up in the midst of a party or with a small group in a park with a delicious assortment of cheeses!
Well said. I am a fan of the Sancerre style Sauvy B’s and this is our interpretation of that.
@AboveTheBay do you agree with the lab rat saying it’s off-dry? Do you have acid and sugar numbers you could share?
@AboveTheBay RS? I’m guessing dry, and above note mentioning off dry/sweetness is fruit?
@klezman Thanks for the notes. I also believe the off-dry description relates to the pH/fruit impact on the palate. I took this to -2.0 Brix to call the end to fermentation, so it’s definitely dry. The mouthfeel and flavor profile was on the money so I didn’t pull a final RS. TA was 7g/L and pH 3.2 which are right what was I was looking for. We really tried to nail the pick date and no modifications were needed to acid or sugar. We picked at 21 Brix to keep the ABV at the right level for a light white wine.
@AboveTheBay Thanks. Yeah, many tasters confuse fruitiness with sweetness - but figured I’d just ask the winemaker directly! I figured this was fully dry, and -2º Brix is certainly dry!!
@AboveTheBay “a fan of the Sancerre style Sauvy B’s and this is our interpretation of that” —> I’m in for a case because of this comment