Winemaker Notes
Primary aromas of lemon and lime zest, orange blossom, Granny Smith apple and faint tropical notes are followed on the palate with a layered blend of limeade, cut hay, nectarine, pineapple and vanilla bean. Barrel fermentations and lees stirring create a range of textures and mid-palate creaminess, while the bright fruit expression and wet stone minerality serve as an energetic counterpoint to the richness and texture.
Blend: 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Semillon
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Starting with the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Estate, this is a bright, juicy, medium-bodied white that has classy white grapefruit and lime fruit, good acidity, and outstanding balance. I’d be happy to drink it.
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.
One of Napa Valley’s oldest wine growing subregions but last to gain appellation status, Calistoga occupies the northernmost section of the valley. Beginning at the foot of Mount St. Helena, its vineyards stretch over steep canyons and roll out onto the valley floor. The soils in Calistoga are volcanic, which means they are heavy in minerals, low in organic matter and allow good drainage for vine roots, creating less green growth and more concentration of flavor within the grape berries.
Summer days are very hot but most nights cool down with moist ocean breezes sneaking in over the Mayacamas Mountains or from Knights Valley to its northwest.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the area’s star variety with Zinfandel coming in a strong second, though the latter commands far less price per tonnage so continues to be outshined by Cabernet in vineyard acreage, save for some important exceptions.