Talk about wine tasting tension! I pointed the 2021 Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc from the Okanagan in British Columbia at 94. Being somewhat skittish about Sauvignon Blanc that 94 is impressive. How will the 2022 Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc fare? The 2022 tried here was fermented 100% in stainless steel but the 2021 was fermented in French oak. The final blend of the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc reviewed here consists of 93% stainless steel tank and 7% seasoned barrique. In 2022 Mayhem produced two Sauvignon Blancs. There is the 2022 Anarchy Sauvignon Blanc (fermented in 85% seasoned oak) and a lower price point 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (fermented in stainless steel) being the one reviewed here. The two different Sauvignon Blanc grapes are both from the Naramata Bench.
What I can say is that the last two vintages of Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc wowed me and being cheeky and terribly wine ignorant why dwell in the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc cellar with eyes wide shut about an Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc!
Aroma: What a refreshing take on Sauvignon Blanc. The aroma is super laid back and discrete. Zealie Sauvies rather roar at you with gooseberry, cat pee and all those usual Zealie descriptors. There is no doubt this is a Sauvignon Blanc but it has notes of honey, mango, pear, guava, and pineapple. Obviously, this Sauvignon Blanc has been trained by a mindfulness master to meditate and communicate its aromatic characteristics in a calm and “in the moment” way. NAMASTE!
Palate: The aroma is ultra cool and relaxed but it is now time to assert itself on the palate but as it has reached a degree of nirvana as to aromatics it can’t seem to snap out of it and show its character on the palate. The 2021 had a huge mouthfeel but this 22 is somewhat thin perhaps overtaken by overly zippy acidity. I am not a prisoner of previous Mayhem vintages seeking a repetition. But I will say it is a bit disappointing on its own without any comparative drum roll. Short finish.
Personality: I come in big and sophisticated like a very unique Sauvignon Blanc on the nose but unlike my brother and sister previous vintages I have a rather thin character on the palate. Remember unlike the 2021 I have been fermented wholly in stainless steel so I am the new kid on the block. Those looking for the magic of the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc can try the 2022 Anarchy Sauvignon Blanc if there is any left.
Food Match: The folks at Mayhem say seafood, shellfish or white fish, cilantro and scallop ceviche, grilled halibut with chimichurri or fresh picked spinach salad with Okanagan roast pears and goat cheese. Right on!
Cellarbility: Drink now.
Price: $20.97 (British Columbia).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 87/100.
(Mayhem 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA, Mayhem Wines (produced and bottled under WL # 302084), Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, 750 mL, 12%).
358 cases were produced.
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