Winemaker Notes
The 2021 L’Après-Midi shimmers a pale, light gold in the glass as the bouquet of lime zest, lemon curd, pear tart, and gooseberry mixes with accents of jasmine and baking spices. A lively, juicy entry leads to flavors of fresh peach, grapefruit, apricot, and guava. The plush, textured mouthfeel frames this medium- to full-bodied wine, which finishes with accents of lemon meringue pie, acacia honey, and key lime. The 2021 ‘L’Après- Midi’ will continue to blossom in bottle for several years but is also approachable in its youth.
Blend: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sémillon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is very complex and dense, with layers of fruit, dried apricot and pine needles, as well as maple-tree highlights. Dried lemons and pears, too. Phenolic and structured. Chewy. So flavorful. 7% semillon in this.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi, blended with 3% Sémillon, fermented in barrel and matured for eight months, bursts from the glass with touches of flint and candle smoke that give way to apricot, acacia and alluring herbal tones. The light-bodied, gently creamy palate surprises with its explosive, lime and panna cotta-driven flavors, expanding to more savory beeswax undertones as it glides across the palate, complemented by focused acidity. Powerful yet energetic, it promises dynamic development in bottle over the next 5-7 years or more. Best After 2024
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Wine Spectator
Mouthwatering and intense, with crystalized ginger, orange blossom and lemon verbena flavors that show serious verve on a sleek, juicy frame. Reveals lemon curd and tangerine at the core, with a long finish. Drink now. 2,105 cases 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.