I’m curious what people’s favorite sauvignon blancs in Napa have been. So much of SB is based on personal taste – curious if there are some commonly mentioned names. I have a limited palate with these (hence my asking) but so far Fidelio, VASO, and MOWE have stood above the rest; specifically I can’t imagine the varietal getting much better than the 2023 MOWE.
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I have never heard of MOWE, thanks for the input.
For me the best of the best is Mondavi I Block (although they call it fume).
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They’re fantastic, both on a human and a wine level. Their CS is fantastic but their SB, albeit to a less seasoned expert, has the makings to stand in a league of its own compared to other hundred-dollar SB offerings and maybe all of Napa.
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I just had the Arborum and Peter Michael’s L’Apres Midi (with some age), and they were quite nice. I’ve always enjoyed Eisele’s/Araujo’s, Bevan’s Dry Stack, and Mondavi’s To Kalon I Block. Morlet’s is a blend with Semillon but is also nice.
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Mondavi I Block without a question. Fideilo is great too. Making a swerve over to Sonoma County, I really like Bevan Sauvignon Blanc. $49 with 96 pts from Jeb Dunnuck:
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points : “A blockbuster of a Sauvignon Blanc, Bevan’s Sauvignon Blanc Dry Stack Vineyard comes from an Italian clone planted in gravelly soil in the Bennett Valley and is raised, I believe, in the barrel. Bottled unfiltered with a touch of haziness in its gold hue, it offers a heavenly bouquet of caramelized lemon zest, mint, orange blossom, honeyed flowers, and brioche. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has incredible concentration, a layered, pure mouthfeel, good freshness, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s not for those craving lightweight aromas and flavors, but it has the weight and richness of a great Chardonnay. Drink this beauty over the coming 2-3 years.”
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Gamble Family.
Eek, just looked it up and the Heart Block SB is $95.
It is amazing…
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Spottswoode, Red Cap; haven’t tasted it yet but keep hearing Mowe as well
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Fidelio. Also illumination for half the cost.
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You know Tom is an Eagles fan!
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One that I have always liked, which was usually winery only but I’m starting to see it in distribution is the Honig Rutherford reserve. I can get it at my local TW for about $30
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Oh yeah Tom is a Philly guy!! Great host on the mountain. We will be trying to book them for our trip this year.
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Flora Springs Soliloquy, Illumination, Bevan Dry Stack, Mondavi Reserve. I-Block is top of the heap.
Value: Charles Krug Napa or Mondavi Fume
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Accendo
I think kinsman has one now
As mentioned
Realm fidelio
Kenzo
Tench
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Massican
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My favorite is Mowe. There is a lot going on in this Sauvignon Blanc. Each drink begs for more. Not a porch pounder although easy to consume quickly because its so good. More of a serious, complex version of the varietal.
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Tom sold the brand to his winemaker, Rudy Zuidema, back in '22. I think he held on to the property, though. I’ll be curious to hear how they handle tasting visits at this point. Spending time talking and tasting with Tom in his backyard was a highlight of a trip for us a few years ago. It’d be sad to hear he’s no longer involved in any way.
My favorite Sauvignon Blanc’s are Arkenstone and Adamvs. Neither are cheap but they are oh so tasty. Both are more in the Bordeaux style than the New Zealand style
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If including Sonoma I second Bevan like many have mentioned. Grey Stack & Bevan both make a SB from the Dry Stack vineyard in Bennet Valley which are great. Bevan’s is a bit better but cost’s $15 more at $50.
Massican, Spottswoode, Drinkward Peschon, and Merry Edwards are my other CA favorites. The Merry Edwards is the heaviest one getting extra complexity from being left on the lees and oak barrel use.
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Actually, Rudy didn’t buy Red Cap Vineyards. Chris Klein is the one who bought Red Cap Vineyards. Rudy is still the winemaker for RC and also Chris’s other labels Phamus Wines and Undiscovered Cellars. Chris’s family also owned Allora Vineyards. We had BBQ wine party with Tom Altemus and Elton Slone from Robert Craig here in Kansas City shortly after he and Desiree sold the vineyard to Chris.
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