Black Stallion Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2016
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James
Suckling -
Wine
Enthusiast
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Perfect to enjoy with salads and cheeses.
Blend: 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Some nice gooseberry character with fennel, lemon rind and apricots. Medium body, high acidity and a fresh finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a bright fresh white that shows a nice complement of dried herb and lemongrass with juicier, more concentrated flavors of white peach and melon. Elegantly crafted, it has a lushness to the palate that's lengthy and complex.
Other Vintages
2021-
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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Wine
Enthusiast
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Wine
Enthusiast
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
As one of Napa’s coolest sub-appellations, the area begs for diversity among its vineyards. Merlot and Chardonnay firmly compete with Cabernet Sauvignon for a place here. Some of Napa’s best Zinfandels also come from the Oak Knoll District.
Situated far in Napa’s southern end, Oak Knoll receives a strong cooling influence from both the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Coast’s evening fog and breezes. Summer days are warm but on average ten degrees cooler than in St. Helena farther north up the valley; summer nights are chilly. A long growing season promotes for leisurely ripening of grape berries, resulting in an impressive balance of sugars, phenols and acidity.
Notable producers include Trefethen, one of the appellation’s oldest wineries, Robert Biale, legendary Zinfandel producer and Lewis Cellars, a family-run, hands-on establishment.