Winemaker Notes
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.
Blend: 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Sauvignon Gris, 2% Semillon
Professional Ratings
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Rudd Crossroads Sauvignon Blanc is an indicator that the Mount Veeder AVA is an excellent place to look for this grape variety. TASTING NOTES: This wine brings ample aromas and flavors of dried chalk into the fore. Pair it with steam clams and mussels over linguine and thinly-sliced dried mushrooms. (Tasted: February 20, 2020, Napa, CA)
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This is the first re-launching of this “Crossroads” label, so that now all Rudd’s viable fruit is being used by the estate. Composed of 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Sauvignon Gris and 2% Semillon and fermented in 9% new oak, 38% neutral oak and 32% concrete, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Crossroads by Rudd was aged for 9 months. It boldly springs from the glass with notes of lemon tart, fresh peaches and lime cordial plus hints of chalk dust, almonds and fresh hay. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic tension and energy with loads of vibrant citrus fruit flavors on offer, crisp acidity and a long, steely finish.
-
Wine Spectator
Succulent, with vibrant, expressive Meyer lemon, ruby grapefruit and orange zest flavors. Shows a touch of freshly grated ginger on a crisp, mouthwatering frame. 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.