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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2020 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, USA
WINEGROWING INFORMATION
Unlike the prior vintage, 2020 was challenging from the very beginning: low winter rainfall early in the dormancy phase prevented an early bud break despite warm temperatures. The continuing trend in the spring led to hydric stress early in the growing season. However, the Sauvignon planted on deep clay soils and north-facing slopes benefitted from a cooling effect, creating favorable ripening conditions with very cool nights and seasonable temperatures from mid-July to mid-August. We harvested the first Sauvignon Blanc Musque on August 17th and finished with the later ripening block adjacent to the winery on September 1st. This relatively early pick allowed us to capture extraordinary freshness in the wines. The clusters were small and concentrated with an unprecedented level of aromatic intensity, which revealed itself in the depth of our underground cave. The batonnage was performed continuously until December, even during the harrowing week of fires that surrounded our area. The “elevage sur lies” lasted for a year, protecting the flavors, enriching and swathing the wine with creamy and savory components, suggesting a long and glorious bottle life. The grapes were certified ‘Organic’ by CCOF and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter. The wines were aged on their lees for 12 months, in a combination of stainless steel (28%), concrete eggs (14%), used oak (36%) and new oak (22%).
TASTING NOTES
Our winemaking team notes: “The nose of the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc slowly opens with scents of white flowers and candied nectarine. A gentle swirl unlocks incredibly delicate notes of pink grapefruit, orange blossom, lemon curd with meringue, white musk and a hint of oyster shell. The palate delivers crystalline minerality and creaminess with notes of toasted brioche, rose petal and lily of the valley, leading to a very pure and precise finish. Against the odds set by the exceptional climatic pressure of the vintage, this is perhaps the most vibrant and subtle Sauvignon Blanc ever produced from the Eisele Vineyard.”
GRAPE SOURCE
80% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué
20% Sauvignon Blanc
Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley
1,130 cases made
Release date: February 9, 2022