2021 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

The 2021 Hill Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc is largely made from the Musque clone grown at the Watson Vineyard on a steep hillside east of American Canyon. It is a late developing site, and its acidity and cool climate chemistry add zippiness and grapefruit characters to the wine. 2021 was another drought year, and the season started early, with bud break for Windy Flats on March 25, and for Watson on April 2. Bloom for both vineyards was around May 25, but as usual, Windy Flats went through veraison on July 22, and Watson on August 3. Harvest for Windy Flats at 23 Brix was on August 23, but Watson took until September 13 to reach 23 Brix. The lots were whole cluster pressed, settled thoroughly, and fermented at about 55o with X5 yeast for Windy Flats, and Delta yeast for Watson. After dryness, the wine was racked to stainless steel barrels to rest until bottling. The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc offers aromas of white peach, grapefruit, and hints of cilantro. The palate is bright and refreshing with gooseberry and pineapple flavors that finish with grapefruit peel and a lovely balanced acidity.