Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Crossroads Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant with a silvery pale-yellow color. Bright and intoxicating aromas leap from the glass with a refreshing bouquet of fresh watercress, bracing lemon verbena, and vibrant Meyer lemon. Subtle hints of fennel seed spice add a delicate nuance to the freshly picked apricot and summer melon notes, lending to a sweet and generous undertone. Similar to the nose, the freshness translated to the palate with zesty acidity taking center stage, evoking yellow grapefruit and crisp green pear. The palate continues to reveal a round and present mid-palate of luscious kiwi and refreshing green apple, balancing the vibrancy. The length is elongated by a velvety texture woven through the lift at the finish, leaving a lingering impression of balance and satisfaction. Best enjoyed after a day in the Palm Spring’s sun, soaking up the last few moments before the sun begins to set over the mountains.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Expressive and vibrant, offering a mouthwatering mix of jasmine, honeysuckle and lemon blossoms up front. Shows fresh lime, crunchy star fruit and lemon curd notes, along with hints of pineapple and lemon basil that finish with the brightness of fresh acidity. Drink now. 208 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.
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.