7 Spectacular Sauvignon Blancs From Napa Valley to Buy Right Now
Acumen, Lail, Accendo Cellars
Over the past few years, Sauvignon Blanc has become a favorite of white wine drinkers, especially when they’re looking for something light and refreshing. Although Napa Valley has long been known to white wine lovers as the home of buttery Chardonnay, there is a long history of Sauvignon Blanc being cultivated there, as well. Most Napa Valley SBs are fermented and aged in stainless steel before bottling, but there are a good number of winemakers who age in wood and cement to give their wines a bit more depth, similar to those made in France. Personally, we’re thankful that California and French winemakers tend to lean into the more elegant, sophisticated aromatic profile of Sauvignon Blanc because of the climate, similar soil types, and shared artistic style. We’re big fans of these wines, and for those of you who don’t know Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, give it a try. You will find delightful aromas and flavors of peach, grapefruit, lemon, lime, passion fruit, peach, freshly baked bread, and vanilla.
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with recipes made from fall produce, such as green leafy autumnal salads and root vegetable dishes. It also goes great with tangy sheep’s milk cheeses, like French chèvre or Greek feta. Here are seven we’re drinking this week:
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Lail 2024 Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc
Image Credit: Lail Robin Daniel Lail is a true force of Napa Valley nature, and we were lucky to sit and chat with her at the Napa Valley Auction a few months ago. Unfortunately, we didn’t taste the 2024 Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc with her, but we enjoyed it this week with a goat cheese salad. Robin traces her family winemaking history back to her great-granduncle Captain Gustav Niebaum of Inglenook fame. Her father, John Daniel Jr., was the owner of Inglenook from 1936 until it was sold in 1964, and Robin has been following the family tradition of creating quality wines from grapes grown in Napa Valley for decades. Her 2024 Blueprint has aromas of pink grapefruit, lemon zest, and Granny Smith apple with flavors of tangerine, lemon blossom, and Fuji apple. There’s lingering minerality in the post-palate with a bright burst of acidity in the finish.
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Acumen 2023 Peak Sauvignon Blanc Atlas Peak
Image Credit: Acumen Eric Yuan founded Acumen in 2012, enlisted the help of winemaker Denis Malbec of Chateau Latour, and acquired land on Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak. His team today includes winemaker Phillip Titus and vineyard manager Domenick Bianco; together they make a small portfolio of estate-grown wines, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Sauvignon Blanc. Their 2023 Peak Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of candied pineapple, lemon zest, and guava that lead to balanced acidity on the palate with flavors of fresh pineapple, Key lime, and mango.
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Accendo Cellars 2023 Sauvignon Blanc
Image Credit: Accendo Cellars Bart and Daphne Araujo founded Accendo Cellars in 2013, but their two children, Jaime and Greg, are taking over the reins a little more each year. One year ago, we had a chance to taste 10 vintages of their stunning Sauvignon Blancs and were blown away by the freshness and ageability even after 10 years in the bottle. The 2023 is no exception: it can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few years if you prefer, you won’t be disappointed either way. It has aromas of tangerine, quince, and Anjou pear with a well-rounded mouthfeel and flavors of lemon blossom, white flowers, Gala apple, and freshly ground white pepper.
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Ellman 2023 Caryn Renae Sauvignon Blanc
Image Credit: Ellman Ellman was founded by South African-born Neil Ellman, who fell in love with Napa Valley and the wine business and decided to combine his passion for entrepreneurship with his love of Napa wines. He is joined by his brother Lance, winemaker Andy Erickson, associate winemaker Patrick Nyeholt, general manager Justin Vazquez, and hospitality manager Miguel Gonzalez, and together they form an amazing team. Their 2023 Caryn Renae Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of pink grapefruit, lemongrass, and white peach that carry over to flavors of Meyer lemon, dried sage, and notes of guava in the long, long, finish.
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Perchance 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard
Image Credit: Perchance The Papadakis, Fear, and Angelos families visited Mike and Leah Smith during a 50th birthday celebration weekend in Napa Valley, talked about wine, enjoyed a few glasses, and by the end of the evening decided that they would become vintners and produce wine in Napa Valley with the guidance of Mike Smith as the winemaker. They like to point out that they had no intention of becoming winemakers, but we’re glad they did, as they are making great wine. Their Perchance 2023 SB has aromas of key lime, freshly baked bread, lemon curd, and mango with brilliant acidity and flavors of citrus blossom, lemongrass, pink grapefruit, and a touch of guava in the finish.
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Animo by Michael Mondavi 2021 Heritage Sauvignon Blanc
Image Credit: Animo by Michael Mondavi A few years back, we climbed down off Michael Mondavi’s truck and hiked up a hill to reach the Animo vineyard. We were already feeling that this was a special place, but then Michael reminded us that animo is the Italian word for “soul,” deepening our connection with the vineyard. Michael Mondavi has been making excellent wines in Napa for generations, and today, with his son and head winemaker, Rob Mondavi, Jr., he crafts not only stunning reds but amazing whites, as well. We’re big fans of their wines, and this delightful Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent example of what they can do when they put their heart and soul into winemaking. Animo 2021 has enticing aromas of freshly baked focaccia, almond paste, pink grapefruit, and vanilla with balanced acidity and flavors of mandarin, tangerine, lemon curd, and marzipan.
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Rudd 2023 Crossroads Sauvignon Blanc Mt. Veeder
Image Credit: Rudd Leslie Rudd was a titan in the world of California wine, and after he passed away in 2018, he entrusted his legacy to his daughter, Samantha, who continues to lead a team of excellent winemakers. We have visited the estate a few times and find it to have one of Napa Valley’s most beautiful secret gardens. Made with fruit sourced from Mt. Veeder, Rudd Crossroads 2023 has aromas of dried sage, orange zest, and white peach. Full-bodied and rich in the mouth, it has flavors of cantaloupe melon, mandarin, and a touch of dried anise in the finish.
