My favorite Napa SB’s have been from the following:
Any from Maayan Koschitzky (Brilliant Mistakes was the first SB I liked)
Theorem Vineyards
Red Cap Vineyards
Modus Operandi
Realm Fidelis
Yes Chris Klein bought Red Cap. I think The Howell Monk aka Michael is now a part owner as well.
I haven’t been up there since before covid. If we can get them booked in a few months I will be sure to post a trip report.
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I love Tom & Desiree but I am glad that they sold the winery. I had too many problems with the way they sold the wines with paying via PayPal and forgetting to ship orders for like 6-9 months and stopped buying from them. Kept asking where my wine was when friends already had the wines for 3-4 months. LOL
Michael, aka Howell Monk, is an awesome individual and I hope that he has a stake in the label now. Chris has been trying to get me to come back for some time and I just haven’t. I do however buy his Phamus IPA Beers from him though.
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At the top of the heap I agree with Mondavi Reserve, Spottswoode and Araujo-Eisele.
For value I am all in on Charles Krug, been buying it for decades.
To both get out of Napa and into value, Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc (more than their Fume Blanc) is incredible value and Dry Creek DCV3 Sauvignon Blanc is just incredible.
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I bought from Red Cap for only a couple vintages. I skipped 18’ for fear of smoke taint from Lake County. It looks like they’re still selling 19’. Will do my best to get them booked when we visit the mountain. The wine is very good and the price point excellent considering the increased around town.
I didn’t experience any of those same issues you had however.
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Kinsman Eades Aisana and Tench Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc are two to be reckoned with. I haven’t tried the MOWE SB, but their '22 CS is incredible. I imagine their SB is equally impressive.
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Over in Alexander Valley, but I loved the Aperture barrel fermented SB when I tried it at the winery a few years ago. Not the typical SB straight line though, and maybe an apples to oranges vs other recs here.
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I used to love eisele SB. Although i find them to be a touch heavy sometimes
Dana Estates Hershey Vineyard SB is probably the best I’ve had out of Napa or Sonoma, but it’s not even in the same hemisphere as QPR - $500 per bottle I think. MOWE is almost as good for 1/5 the cost.
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This! Plus a great place to visit in Napa.
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In 2015 i first visit dana fabulous visit i was t drinking domestic white at the time however I tasted the SB and thought well of it back then i grabed six bottles paid about 200 low and behold now see its a 500 dollar bottle or so stlll have them all Need to find the right meal or occasion to pop one thanks
The Dana SB is my no. 1 “to try” wine for the year. I really hope it’s at Inspire Napa Valley this spring, but I’m also scouring any and all auction sites to get a taste.
Mondavi I block is incredible. The To Kalon reserve is very good too. Another one I’ve enjoyed is Quivra Fig Tree Vineyard.
Tench family SB is great.
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My fav? A relatively unknown and rarely mentioned….
Arrow & Branch Heritage SB
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Actually, Tom sold the brand to a local guy with another small brand named Chris. Tom still owns and farms the property. Rudy still makes the wine. Chris is responsible for selling the Wine now as he owns it. I think most of the tastings are done down in town but occasionally you might be able to get up to the property. I think Tom is also letting him continue to do the annual party that they do in August But I’d confirm that.
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Really enjoy Rudd SB. It also helps that their vineyard is beautiful and that Samantha Rudd and co. are great people
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For me it’s the Mondavi I Block and Peter Michael l’Apres Midi, both of which demand some age.
I passed on the MOWE sauv blanc, but we are visiting Dustin and Renee in February and based on all the positivity here it sounds like that is a decision I may very well come to regret.
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Thanks for all the new turn ons!!!
My faves….
Peter Michael L’apre Midi
Mondavi I Block
Mayacamus’ SB is bright and energetic, very good.
Alpha Omega 1155 stands out, as well,
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I’ll continue the echos of Mowe’s Sauvignon Blanc…the ‘22 is lights out good, but that ‘23 is one of the best I’ve had for the style.
-If Morlet’s La Prorpotion Doree counts, also a big fan
-La Pelle
-Modus Operandi’s Center of Gravity
-The Vineyardist
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