Winemaker Notes
The 2024 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc presents with a crystalline presence in the glass, its luminosity suggesting both freshness and intention. The aromatics unfold with a sense of air and movement-Meyer lemon and sweet key lime appear first, carried by notes of freshly cut thyme and bright lemongrass. White nectarine and exotic guava emerge with quiet restraint, drifting through a cool, stony register reminiscent of rain-washed granite. A subtle suggestion of meringue adds a silken, almost downy softness to the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is composed yet generous, shaped by a line of acidity that feels tensile and precise. White grapefruit, kaffir lime, and preserved lemon reveal themselves in measured cadence, giving way to a midpalate that deepens gradually. Succulent nectarine and summer melon contribute a gentle fullness, while the texture becomes increasingly enveloping and finely layered. As the wine moves toward its close, understated tones of brioche and wild honey surface, lending warmth and dimension without dilution of focus. The finish is elongated, marked by composure and a lingering mineral clarity. The Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc offers both immediate brilliance and the structure to evolve gracefully, placing it among the most distinguished expressions of the variety.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
One of the finest Bordeaux-style whites outside Pessac-Leognan. Ripping and electric, showing sliced lemons, wet stones, flint and grapefruit, with a touch of reduction and an enticing mineral drive. The taut, high-voltage palate has an underlying power that will frame this wine for many years to come. Decant for a few hours, and you will be richly rewarded. 83% sauvignon blanc, 11% semillon and 6% sauvignon gris. Excellent is an understatement. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
This is rather enticing, with a precise, streamlined beam of acidity that carries lemon peel, ponzu, verbena, chive and salted butter notes along. A long quinine accent adds length and tension. Distinctive.
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.