Winemaker Notes
Bright and pale yellow in color, the 2022 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc aromatically draws one in with notes of freshly flowered citrus blossoms, sweet orange zest, and sun-kissed apricot. Diving deeper into the wine, notes of fennel seed, wet stone, and the lightest dappling of brioche come together to create a unique and intriguing white wine. The palate begins generously with layers of stone fruit and mandarin orange, balanced by nervy Meyer lemon, and kaffir lime acidity. As the wine continues to unfold, notes of peach purée, summer melon, and a sprinkling of white pepper fill out the body of this wine in a way synonymous with our mountain terroir vines. Persistent and elegant, the flavors are perfectly wrapped into the texture, both charmingly smooth and bursting with energy. This wine continues to awe in every vintage.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
An impressive white, whose honeysuckle, orange blossom and fresh ginger notes are fragrant and juicy, complementing clementine, mango and Key lime. Offers lemon zest, pomelo and yuzu elements, with details of lemon balm and green tea that linger. Drink now. 473 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.