"Grapefruit, lime, and honeysuckle aromas
warm to nectarine and floral scents. The refreshing aromatic
characters lead to clean, zesty flavors. Bright and lively
grapefruit re-emerges on the palate, along with a flinty, Pippin
green apple flavor. A lingering finish of apricots with a hint of
minerality keeps this focused wine youthful and
intriguing"
– Mike McGrath, Winemaker
BLEND: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
VINEYARDS:
A long, cool spring delayed Napa Valley’s
grape growing cycle by three weeks. Bud break, bloom, set and berry
softening were all affected. Shoot and crop thinning, deficit
irrigation, and basal leaf removal to expose fruit directly to the
sun’s rays were all implemented to accelerate maturity.
Napa Valley’s grape growing season always includes an expected
heat wave that arrives unpredictably. In 2010 it arrived on Aug
17th, which hastened maturation but the Sauvignon Blanc was still
harvested two weeks later than usual, on Sept 17th.
Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from vineyards including the
esteemed Herrick Ranch Vineyard, located on an island in the middle
of the Napa River in the heavier clay soils of the Stags Leap
District AVA. These soils are ideally suited for Sauvignon
Blanc.
The Sauvignon Blanc clones at Herrick Ranch include Sauvignon
Musque, which contributes a delicate floral essence.
