Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Elizabeth Spencer's Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from vineyards in Napa Valley, California, located in the heart of the North Coast of the United States. The winery procures from selected plots in cool areas of the valley, benefiting from sea breezes and a strong coastal influence. Well-drained soils, composed of gravels, silts, and alluvium, promote a slow and regular ripening of the grapes. This geographical context allows for a Sauvignon Blanc that is both ripe and vibrant, clearly expressing the climatic and geological identity of Napa Valley.

Made from carefully selected vines, this Sauvignon Blanc is harvested at optimal ripeness then gently pressed to preserve the aromatic purity of the fruit. The must is then fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks, which helps maintain the freshness, vivacity, and the characteristic citrus and white-fleshed fruit aromas of the grape variety. Aging continues on fine lees, still in stainless steel tanks, to add volume and texture while maintaining a clean, precise, and intensely refreshing profile.

This wine reveals notes of citrus, stone fruit, and tropical fruit, complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle mineral dimension. On the palate, the body is precise, carried by a lively acidity that lengthens the tasting, while the texture remains supple and balanced. The clean and refreshing finish highlights the purity of the fruit and a slight saline sensation, inviting another sip and emphasizing the gastronomic character of this Sauvignon Blanc.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.