1 minute read
The Wine Life
from August 20, 2021
by Ladue News
By Stanley Browne
2020 GUARDIAN CELLARS ANGEL
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Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Location: Red Mountain, Washington Owners: Jerry Riener and Jennifer Sullivan Winemakers: Jerry Riener and Dane Iussig Approximate Retail Price: $22 Website: guardiancellars.com
TASTING NOTES
Color: Bright and reflective golden straw Aroma: Citrus, peach and tropical fruit dominate the nose, with a slight hint of minerality Taste: Juicy and mouthwatering, with lemon, grapefruit, melon and pineapple on the palate with great tart acidity and a long, pleasant finish
From the ripe pink grapefruit flavors of New Zealand to the chalky minerality and tart citrus of central France’s Loire Valley, sauvignon blanc is among the few varietals that has managed to find a home in nearly every nook and cranny around the world’s wine regions.
After originally obtaining a degree in organic chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle, Jerry Riener switched gears to become a full-time policeman. But his love for wine, winemaking and agriculture never faltered, and he spent most of his off-duty time volunteering at various wineries around Washington.
After a few years of volunteering, Riener and his wife, Jennifer Sullivan, a news reporter, started Guardian Cellars. When the couple opened their tasting room to the public in 2007, their first vintage, which yielded fewer than 400 cases, sold out almost immediately.
In keeping with Riener’s cop background, each Guardian Cellars wine is named in a law enforcement vein. Guardian Cellars’ second label, Newsprint, pays homage to Sullivan’s background. Both Riener and Sullivan maintain their careers as police officer and news reporter while running the winery in their free time.
Guardian Cellars’ sauvignon blanc, Angel, is an exemplary expression of the varietal. This pick is crisp and citrusy, as is to be expected from a sauvignon blanc, while maintaining a fruity balance that gives it a little weight without being overpowering.
Food Pairings: Any shellfish, chicken or turkey, sushi, softer cheese like brie or goat cheese, green vegetables like asparagus or artichoke, and grilled vegetables all pair nicely with this wine. ln Certified Sommelier Stanley Browne owns Robust Wine Bar in Webster Groves.
