2015 HERENCIA DEL VALLE, SAUVIGNON BLANC, NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

This vineyard was planted with old Mondavi clones in 1975 and is some of the oldest vines in Chiles Valley. It is quadrilateral trellising and a Northeast/Southwest row orientation to maximize the sun’s dappling rays on the fruit.

The grapes were picked at first light on September 3, 2014 to maximize the intensity of esters and freshness. When brought to the winery, the whole cluster was crushed and 85% was fermented in stainless steel while the other 15% was fermented in neutral French oak barrels. None of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. It was blended, and aged in stainless steel for five months before bottling.