Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Georgia takes all of these elements and adds an uplifted aromatic display that is vaguely reminiscent of the great Haut-Brion Blanc from Bordeaux, which has some Semillon blended with the Sauvignon. This is a fabulous effort from Robin Lail, and again, from the dry-farmed Totem Vineyard in Yountville. Wonderful citrus oil, crushed rock, white flowers, marmalade, melon and grapefruit notes are all present in this full-bodied beauty that soaks up the new oak beautifully and has tremendous precision and freshness. It should drink well for at least 10-15 years based on how the 2004 has evolved. Barrel Sample: 94-96 Points.
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James Suckling
This sauvignon blanc shows apples, pears and tropical fruit such as mangoes and passion fruit as well as a wealth of vanilla. Full-bodied, textured and complex with driven acidity and a long finish.
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 most historic sub-appellations, Yountville spreads through some of the valley's ideal cooler sites and enjoys success with a handful of different and significant grape varieties.
Syrah competes strongly with Cabernet Sauvignon here for optimal vineyard real estate followed by Pinot noir, Pinot blanc and Sauvignon blanc.
This sub-AVA of Napa Valley is rich in the history that makes Napa Valley what it is today, and not just for red wines. Moët & Chandon entered the California winemaking business via Yountville in 1973 with the establishment Domaine Chandon. Their goal has always been to produce top quality méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
Christian Moueix, originally responsible for managing Chateau Petrus and La Fleur-Petrus in Pomerol, arrived in Yountville in the early 1980s. He formed a partnership with Rohin Lail and Marcia Smith, inheritors of Napanook vineyard from their father John Daniel of Inglenook in Rutherford. In 1995 Moueix became sole owner of Napanook and chose the name Dominus, which today produces some of Napa’s highest scoring, age-worthy Bordeaux Blends.