Winemaker Notes
Intense and multi-layered, the bouquet is dominated by mineral, vine blossom, yellow nettle blossom, honeysuckle, white vine rose, hawthorn, lemon, lime, white peach, completed by acacia honey and candied anise. Rich, balanced, and elegant, the zesty flavors are reminiscent of the aromas with additional guava, Williams pear, Mirabelle plum and fresh almond notes. The strong mineral background, a stamp from our terroir, balances the overall richness and gives superb refinement. The finish is layered, extremely long and elegant. The 2016 L’Après-Midi will benefit from three years of cellaring and will age gracefully for a decade or more.
Blend: 88% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Sémillon
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 86% Sauvignon Blanc and 14% Sémillon, the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc l'Apres Midi is scented of crushed stones, white pepper, struck flint and dried herbs over a core of lemons and grapefruit juice with a touch of chalk dust. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with zesty citrus flavors complemented by minerally notes, finishing long. 2,450 cases were made.
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.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.