ACCENDO NAPA SAUVIGNON BLANC 750ML 2023

The primary source for this wine is Ehrlich Vineyard in Oakville, where the vines are now about 35 years old. Additional fruit comes from Araujo’s Home Vineyard in the Oakville AVA, which contributes Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Musqué, as well as Juliana Vineyard in Pope Valley. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed to tank, with the majority fermenting in neutral barrels—the wine ages 10–11 months, with roughly 15% new French oak. In 2023, this wine offers terrific texture, shifting from velvety richness to a grippy, intense structure supported by an expressive spine of crisp acidity. It is incredibly fragrant and presents layers of white flowers, citrus oil, lemongrass, and crushed Marcona almonds. These vibrant aromatics carry through to the palate, framed by marvellous tension-filled acidity and an excellent saline-mineral finish—a true standout in 2023, with both body and presence. Winemaker Françoise Peschon has worked with Bart and Daphne Araujo since 1993, when they owned Eisele Vineyard. She makes the white wines for Accendo Cellars and consults with Nigel Kinsman on the reds. As of 2023, the estate is owned by Greg and Jaime Araujo.

The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc offers a striking mix of vibrancy and mid-palate creaminess. White flowers, mint, crushed rocks and lemon peel all grace this airy, delineated Sauvignon Blanc. This classy, polished white will drink well for a number of years.

Sourced from two vineyards in Oakville and another in Pope Valley, Accendo's 2023 Sauvignon Blanc boasts gently floral scents on the nose, plus notes of orangey citrus, nectarines and a hint of fig. Mainly barrel-fermented in used oak, it's medium- to full-bodied, plump and generous on the palate, its silky texture enriched by regular bâtonnage. Finishing crisp and clean, it's a delicious apéritif, but it can also accompany a variety of seafood or vegetarian dishes.