2022 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
available
Vivid and inviting, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc brims with energy and an elegant vivaciousness.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2022
Varietal
Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation
Napa Valley
Bottling Date
April 2023
Alcohol %
13.6
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Our Sauvignon Blanc is a lively, yet elegant, expression of this varietal that gathers its complexity from both the diversity of terroir running north to south in the Napa Valley and from the inclusion of the rich and unctuous Sémillon grape. This blend includes Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from our estate vineyards in Calistoga, Stags Leap District, and Carneros. A grower vineyard in eastern Rutherford is home to old vines planted to a heritage Musqué clone that provides density, richness, and lemon citrus notes. Finally, old vine Sémillon from another site in Calistoga gives the wine an expansive mouth-coating richness that is the hallmark of our style.
Production Notes
The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool darkness of night and arrived at the winery at dawn. The grapes were then held in controlled conditions of low oxygen and cold temperatures. Gentle, whole-cluster pressing released the delicate, prized juices from the clusters and created a deeper level of complexity. The juice was fermented in 86% French oak barrels and 14% stainless steel tanks. All fermentations were conducted at cold temperatures to preserve the freshness of the fruit.
Winemaker Notes
Vivid and inviting, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc brims with energy and an elegant vivaciousness. The refreshing aromatics soar on layers of casaba melon, pineapple, and honeysuckle flowers. Flavors of kiwi, white peach, mango, and cucumber glide seamlessly along the palate with accents of sea salt, warm brioche, and persimmon tinged on the long and brightly tuned finish. A splendid note of flinty minerality persists on the tongue as this wine of poise and contemplation bids the taster for another sip. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking