Palate
The wine is electrifying and fresh. Firm white nectarine and mangos, lime zest, fresh
passionfruit are intertwined with an aspect of remarkable minerality and broken quartz
throughout the entirety of the wine. A firm texture, electric with a clean yet slightly
creamy finish.
Growing Conditions
In 2006 Michael Mondavi Family Estate acquired Sauvignon Blanc vine cuttings and
propagated a new planting. The cuttings came from Oakville’s ToKalon vineyard known as
the oldest surviving Sauvignon Blanc in North America. The original vines trace their
lineage directly to Château d’Yquem, arriving in California in the 1880’s through Charles
Wetmore who was the head of the California State Viticultural Commission at the time.
When the new vineyard was created, Michael Mondavi Family Estate selected the same
root stock and trellising used in the 19th century to further preserve the historical method
of grape growing and the remarkable living history of the plant genetics.
Despite 2015 being a drought year, the Napa Valley received spring rains which
replenished the soil moisture content and allowed for a successful start to the growing
season. As the year developed, grape growers noted that it was the smallest crop many
could remember. Brief heat spikes in late August pushed ripening forward and the grapes
came into the winery earlier than the average year showing a good level of acidity .
Winemaking
On average, the small vineyard selection yields enough of these treasured grapes to
produce between six and eight barrels. 2015 was a shy year and there were just enough
grapes to craft six barrels. The grapes were hand-harvested and gently pressed before
being transferred to a tank where the wine settled overnight. The following morning, the
juice was transferred into six French oak barrels and inoculated to commence
fermentation. The wine was stirred one to two times per day depending on the evolution
of each barrel. At the end of fermentation, the barrels were carefully placed into the cellar
where the wine aged.
Aging
Aged for approximately nine months 85% Used French Oak, 15% New French Oak
