Winemaker Notes
While the winter of 2019 was wet with generous amounts of rainfall, the rocky, volcanic soil, and subsoils of our estates were able to drain efficiently, releasing the excessive moisture content in the soil. From the physiological steps of bud break to veraison, the temperatures were variable with some lows and highs. The subsequent long and quite mild summer was ideal to preserve freshness and finesse. The yields were average, but picking decisions and proper sorting were critical to achieving wines of balance, ripeness, generosity, and elegance.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of green mango, cooked pear, lemon curd and quince. Lemon wax, flint and toasted almonds, too. It’s full-bodied with a creamy, oily texture. Dense and phenolic with fantastic concentration. Yet, it remains agile and always so balanced and focused. 90% sauvignon blanc and 10% semillon.
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Jeb Dunnuck
One of the finest expressions of this variety I was able to taste for this report, the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc L'Apres-Midi has a rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style as well as stunning notes of stone fruits, toasted nuts, and sappy green herbs. This isn't your simple, quaffable Sauvignon Blanc, and it's textured, has plenty of mid-palate depth, and stunning length.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc l'Apres Midi is composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc (one-third is Musque Clone) and 10% Semillon, grown alongside Les Pavots in Knights Valley. Due to issues with fruit set, the crop was naturally a little smaller this year. Exuberant scents of passion fruit, gooseberries and lime cordial come bounding out of the glass with suggestions of honeysuckle, wild thyme and wet slate. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors with a pleasant oiliness to the texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory.
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Wine Spectator
Effusive and elegant, focused and intense, with honeysuckle overtones to the lemon curd, ruby grapefruit and Fuji apple flavors. Hints of pineapple and candied ginger linger on the fresh 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.
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.