Winemaker Notes
The lovely light yellow 2024 ‘L’Apres-Midi’ showcases an inviting blend of guava, white nectarine, fresh peach and lemon zest, framed with hints of white roses, jasmine and mango. A creamy entry and soft mouthfeel are balanced with juicy acidity and a generous body with impressive length and a clean finish. This is a classy Sauvignon Blanc ready to be enjoyed this afternoon.
Blend: 96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Sémillon
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi contains 6% Sémillon. It matured in around 15% new French oak and was bottled the spring after the harvest. It has continually unfurling scents of flint, white peach, tarragon, lemongrass, graham cracker, chamomile and honey. The full-bodied palate is bursting with layers of flinty stone and citrus fruit, and it has a lifted, silky texture. It’s balanced by succulent acidity and has a long, perfumed 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.