Jonathan Newman:  "Thea is unusual in Sonoma County because it specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, and that focus is why this is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs from the area.  The 2008 vintage of Thea came from the single vineyard Kay�s Block in the Dry Creek Valley and only 600 cases were produced. Bill Knuttel, founding winemaker of Saintsbury and winemaker at Chalk Hill and Dry Creek Vineyards made this wine. The vintage is quite unique compared to the previous vintage since it is from the Woods-Donahoe family�s micro single vineyard lot.

All New Zealand-like on the nose, with ripe pink grapefruit and alluring aromas of pineapple and lemon zest. On the palate, the wine is crisp with intriguing fresh flavors of grapefruit, pear and tropical fruit and is well balanced with a pleasant long persistent finish. It will pair nicely with fish, raw seafood, veal piccata or as an aperitif."

Winery:  "From vine to the bottle, this single-vineyard wine was crafted to capture the freshness and vitality of Dry Creek Valley's best grapes.  Dry Creek Valley enjoys hot days and cool nights during the growing season for Sauvignon Blanc. This ensures ideal ripeness of the grapes, with high natural acidity. Harvested at an ideal ripeness-to-acidity ratio, the 2008 THEA Sauvignon Blanc was then fermented in stainless steel. Fermentation in steel with no oak aging allows this estate-grown fruit to shine without any flavors imparted from oak barrels.

At 13.5% alcohol, the 2008 THEA Sauvignon Blanc is well-balanced, crisp, light and dry with ripe citrus fruit flavors.  Classic Sancerre-like aromas of minerals, lemon zest, and citrus strike a perfect balance between New World and Old World style on the nose and palate. Light and crisp on the attack, the mid-palate shows strong tropical fruit notes of kiwi, grapefruit and even tangerine. Balance and elegance are key descriptors of this wine. Light, crisp and dry, this wine finishes extremely clean with a bright acidity that begs for another sip. Drink now through 2011.

Pairing suggestions: Fish, shellfish, chicken, turkey, salads, vegetarian dishes or simply as a light, refreshing cocktail."

Wired for Wine:  THEA is a small, Sonoma family-owned winery in the Dry Creek Valley practicing organic and sustainable farming methods.  The wine maker, Bill Knuttel, the founding winemaker at Saintsbury Vineyard, crafted fine wines at Chalk Hill Estate Winery & Vineyards and is currently the consulting winemaker for the renowned Dry Creek Vineyard in Healdsburg.

Size:  750 ml
Varietal:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Fermentation:  In stainless steel with no oak
Alcohol:  13.5%
Vintage:  2008
Region:  Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma
Production:  600 dozen