Arkenstone Sauvignon Blanc Estate Napa Valley

Wine Information
The Arkenstone Estate Sauvignon Blanc originally planted in 1997 is grown in 6 different very steep, very rocky, vineyard blocks on our Howell Mountain Estate.  Choosing to plant only in the perfect patches of nutrient lacking, well-drained, white volcanic soils we are able to grow very concentrated, rich, but balanced, beautiful Sauvignon Blanc.  Along with the Sauvignon Blanc in the lower part of our vineyard, we also farm a small block of Semillon which is blended with our Sauvignon Blanc.  The percentage of Semillon will change each vintage, but the results are always consistent.  The Semillon adds beautiful floral aromatics along with a bigger mid-palate that seamlessly complements and integrates with the Sauvignon Blanc’s natural notes of melon, citrus, and minerality.  From our rigorous farming practices to winemaking to our final blend, this wine is very much our tip of the cap to the classic white wines of Bordeaux.  As with all 13 acres of our Arkenstone Estate, the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are both farmed exclusively in-house using only organic farming techniques overseen by Winemaker Sam Kaplan.
Similar to our Estate Red, the Estate Sauvignon Blanc is done in the Bordeaux style, with the inclusion of Sémillon in the final blend. As with many Bordeaux châteaux, we utilize large concrete eggs for the vinification of the Sauvignon Blanc as well as new and neutral French oak. The Sémillon is vinified separately, solely in 100% new French barrels. After 11 months of aging sur-lie, the wine is blended together with the Sauvignon Blanc and aged in bottle for an additional 18 months prior to release.
White gold in color, the nose of honeysuckle, caramelized pear, wet stone and jasmine hint at the complexity within.  Lemon curd, stone fruit, and honey greet you first, while the full richness of mango, pineapple, white peach, and green apple pie fill the mid-palate.  Green apple, pear, and pineapple linger in the incredibly long, satisfying finish.  Lush, yet clean and focused, with balanced acidity, this wine pairs beautifully with food. 

93% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Sémilon