Guardian Cellars was founded in 2004 by Jerry Riener. Like many winemakers, Jerry supports his passion with a day job. His profession as a police officer sheds some light on the naming theme of the Guardian wines: Chalk Line, Gun Metal, Angel.
The Angel is a wholly unique Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is sourced from Klipsun and Spring Creek Vineyards near Red Mountain AVA in southeast Washington. Most Sauvignon Blanc is barrel fermented in stainless steel tanks, some in used oak barrels. Angel spends up to 7 weeks in new French oak barrels.
The impact is a very lush wine with a good dose of vanilla. The vanilla is balanced with more typical Sauvignon Blanc flavors of lemon peel, honeysuckle and tropical fruits. Atypical or not, this is just a delicious wine.
This one is available at the winery and many wine shops in the Seattle area for $20. Don’t delay as it never lasts long.
My rating: 89 points