The 2011 growing season was dry and long. The slow ripening that occurred allowed for lots of flavor development without over ripeness. The blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Semillon provides a full and round creamy texture in the mid-palate with moderate acidity. It was the latest harvest ever for our Mt. Veeder vineyard with harvest not starting until Sept 22nd. This allowed for lots of extra hang time to slowly allow flavors to develop.
A solid citrus core of lemon, Kaffir lime, and orange zest surrounded by white peach, apricot, and fresh stone fruits. Hints of white pepper and bees wax finished with all-spice and nutmeg. This is a wine that should gain complexity with one to three years in the bottle.
REVIEWS
"The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc offers up juicy pears, white flowers, mango and lime. Exotic and flavorful, the 2011 impresses for its balance and overall harmony. This is easily one of the most unique and compelling Sauvignons being made in Napa Valley. The 2011 is 87% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sauvignon Gris and 3% Semillon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." - Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate #204, Dec 2012
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, in 2010 we harvested our first crop of Sauvignon Gris. This is a lesser known member of the Bordeaux family but it is an important contributor to the white wines in some of the finest estates in Graves.
"The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is a very pretty wine endowed with exquisite grace and elegance. It shows lovely perfume, bright, focused fruit and considerable depth. This is a very pretty, refined white. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014." -Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011, 91 Pts
The 2009 growing season had the perfect conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon to mature gracefully, while maintaining all their pure minerality and acidity. This is the second offering of this wine produced with estate grown fruit from the steep slopes of Mt. Veeder. Our vineyard planted at an elevation ranging from 1500 – 1700 ft.
"It is surprising what Rudd has been able to achieve with Sauvignon Blanc. The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc comes from his vineyard on Mt. Veeder. Aged in a combination of concrete egg shaped tanks, stainless steel and barrels, it includes 6% Semillon. It boasts extraordinary minerality as well as laser-like precision and notes of honeyed melons intermixed with gun flint, nectarines and lemon blossoms. A beautifully textured, rich, fresh Sauvignon Blanc, it should drink nicely for several years." -Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #192, Dec 2010, 93 Pts