Current Release
- Vintage: 2009
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Release Date: May 1, 2010
The main source for the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is the estate vineyard surrounding our winery on Dunaweal Lane just south of Calistoga. The Sauvignon Blanc here develops complex and interesting aromatics and flavors, and the cold nights retain crisp acidity which affords the wine great freshness and liveliness. In 2009, we brought in some old vine fruit from a nearby site that compliments the minerality and steeliness of the estate with underlying richness and juiciness.
Vintage Description
2009 was notable for the tempering fog influence within the valley creating a perfect growing season for Sauvignon Blanc. The growing season started out cool and dry, carrying over the drought effects from 2008. The predominantly dry weather continued into spring, where there was a warm, near-perfect bloom period. The dry spell was broken by substantial rains in May which replenished the soil moisture and allowed for strong growth. Summer weather was mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding 90˚F. The warm days and cold nights allowed for gentle ripening. The milder temperatures towards the end of summer allowed us to harvest during the final week of August.
Winemaking
The fruit was harvested during the cool early mornings and immediately whole bunch pressed. The juice was settled and racked with fine lees. Lots were broken down into barrels, steel drums and tanks. Fermentation was conducted at cool temperatures to retain freshness and minerality. All vessels were stirred every two weeks to fill out the weight on the acid backbone. The wines were blended and bottled in March.
