Winemaker Notes
The 2023 vintage offers a very pure expression of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, a captivating balance of weight and intensity with bright, fresh acidity. Aromas of lemongrass, orange blossom, pink grapefruit, and Key lime pie are mirrored on the focused, layered palate. A dynamic interplay of ripe fruit, rich sur lie texture, and brisk acidity amplifies and extends through the mid-palate, introducing hints of white pepper and crushed rock. The finish is long and mouthwatering, the bracing high notes slowly melting into an echo of candied grapefruit peel.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A barrel-fermented wine that’s not at all oaky, but pairs bright acidity with a rounded texture. Fragrant in crisp apples, lemongrass and key limes, followed by mineral accents and a hint of chalkiness for a nice bite on the palate. Medium-bodied, fresh and well-balanced.
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Wine Spectator
Distinctive and stylish, with honeysuckle, peach blossom and mango details, plus grace notes of green tea, freshly grated ginger and lime sherbet. Offers intensity and generosity, along with mouthwatering acidity that gains momentum on the long finish. Drink now. 3,411 cases made.
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Wine Enthusiast
Unctuous and generous aromatics rise from the glass followed by abundant flavor. A mix of tropical and stone fruits squeezed with lemon dance with a sprinkle of energizing sea salt.
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 the world's most highly regarded regions for wine production as well as tourism, the Napa Valley was responsible for bringing worldwide recognition to California winemaking. In the 1960s, a few key wine families settled the area and hedged their bets on the valley's world-class winemaking potential—and they were right.
The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980s, when producers scooped up vineyard lands and planted vines throughout the county. A number of wineries emerged, and today Napa is home to hundreds of producers ranging from boutique to corporate. Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely the grape of choice here, with many winemakers also focusing on Bordeaux blends. White wines from Napa Valley are usually Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that claim specific wine characteristics based on situation, slope and soil. Farthest south and coolest from the influence of the San Pablo Bay is Carneros, followed by Coombsville to its northeast and then Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford. Above those are the warm St. Helena and the valley's newest and hottest AVA, Calistoga. These areas follow the valley floor and are known generally for creating rich, dense, complex and smooth red wines with good aging potential. The mountain sub appellations, nestled on the slopes overlooking the valley AVAs, include Stags Leap District, Atlas Peak, Chiles Valley (farther east), Howell Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain District and Diamond Mountain District. Napa Valley wines from the mountain regions are often more structured and firm, benefiting from a lot of time in the bottle to evolve and soften.