Winemaker Notes
The 2017 vintage will definitely stand out when comparing Napa Valley vintages over years to come. The Crossroads Sauvignon Blanc from Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate is a beautiful expression of what the Sauvignon Blanc grape is capable of achieving at an elevation of 1600 feet. Immediately, one’s nose is met with lovely stone fruit, hints of lime zest, and white lily which is complemented by a freshness and liveliness on the palate. Notes of peach translates from nose to palate providing a lingering texture and richness, balancing the bright acidity that follows through from beginning to end. With each further sip, the Sauvignon Blanc reveals to the taster intricate layers of complexity. Crossroads Sauvignon Blanc is intended to be appreciated upon release.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This white represents 100% organically grown estate grapes, blending in 11% Sauvignon Gris and 8% Sémillon. Lively in lemon rind, melon, peach and grapefruit, it has a stony minerality that gives it an edge of complexity and intrigue, with a lush body weight and texture.
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Wine Spectator
An intense and focused white, offering a mouthwatering mix of mango, lemon meringue, grated ginger and honeycomb flavors that are vivid and juicy. Drink now.
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.
Centered at the peak for which it is named, Mount Veeder is Napa’s largest sub-AVA. But even though the entire appellation spreads over 16,000 acres, vineyards cover a mere 1,000. Scattered among Douglas firs and bristlecone pines, Mount Veeder vineyards extend south from the upper elevations of the Mayacamas Mountains—the highest point at 2,400 feet—to the border of the Carneros region. Less than 25 wineries produce wine from Mount Veeder fruit.
Winemaking began early in this appellation. In 1864, Captain Stelham Wing presented the first Mount Veeder wine to the Napa County Fair; it came from today’s Wing Canyon Vineyard. Prohibition, of course, halted winemaking and viticulture wasn’t revitalized until the founding of Mayacamas Vineyards in 1951 and Bernstein Vineyards in 1964.
The Bernstein Vineyards was actually home to the first Petit Verdot in California, planted in 1975. Today most of the Petit Verdot in Napa Valley originates from this vineyard.
Rocky volcanic clay and ancient seabed matter dominate Mount Veeder soils—perfect for Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot enjoy spectacular success. These varieties produce wines rich in brambly blackberry and black cherry fruit with herbal and floral aromatics. Structures are moderate to assertive and wines have great staying power.
Chardonnay from Mount Veeder is lush, full and balanced mineral and fresh citrus flavors.