Winemaker Notes
Marrying pure aromatics with balanced acidity, the Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc shows freshness and precision that come from this noble grape variety, meticulously farmed at a mountain vineyard. The Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc harmonizes the aromatic grape variety expression with texture and depth to produce an age-worthy white.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Containing just 1% Semillon, the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Mt. Veeder was aged for nine months, sur lie, in 54% used oak, 28% concrete and 18% amphora. It prances out of the glass with bold, flamboyant scents of honey-drizzled pears, white peaches and green mango plus hints of beeswax, coriander seed and pineapple. The medium to full-bodied palate has a gorgeous silkiness to the texture, exploding with citrus and tropical fruit flavors, finishing on a lingering mineral note. Although tantalizingly irresistible now, I suggest laying a few bottles away for 3-5 years to really get that WOW experience. Rating: 95+
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Wine Spectator
Vibrant, with notes of ginger and turmeric plus honeysuckle, lanolin and green tea to mingle with the core of sleek, juicy citrus and peach flavors. 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.