Winemaker Notes
Winemaker Andy Jones uses a unique aging and barrel program for this wine, aging a percentage of the wine for six months in neutral oak and acacia wood barrels and the rest in stainless steel. The use of acacia wood barrels respects the elegance of the Sauvignon Blanc fruit, and it brings a unique character feeling and texture to the palate.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackcurrant, blackcurrant leaf and some peach along with saline, iodine aromas. It’s full-bodied with firm, fine tannins and a tangy, savory finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Fresh and clear in focused acidity, this vineyard-designated white is a bouquet of lovely fruit and flowers, from peach and squeezed Meyer lemon to jasmine. Stony texture adds a mineral component that's irresistible in appeal.
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.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.