2021 Sauvignon Blanc l'Apres Midi

The pale straw-colored 2021 Sauvignon Blanc L'Apres-Midi is perfumed with soft tropical fruit of guava, white grapefruit, vanilla, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with a good, rounded texture of soft stones and notes of lemon curd, pineapple, and baking spice, it’s long on the palate and has a clean lift without feeling harsh. Drink 2023-2030. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, while former winemaker Luc Morlet remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides in Knights Valley that modulate with varied exposition and soils. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi, blended with 3% Sémillon, fermented in barrel and matured for eight months, bursts from the glass with touches of flint and candle smoke that give way to apricot, acacia and alluring herbal tones. The light-bodied, gently creamy palate surprises with its explosive, lime and panna cotta-driven flavors, expanding to more savory beeswax undertones as it glides across the palate, complemented by focused acidity. Powerful yet energetic, it promises dynamic development in bottle over the next 5-7 years or more. 2,038 cases were made.

This is very complex and dense, with layers of fruit, dried apricot and pine needles, as well as maple-tree highlights. Dried lemons and pears, too. Phenolic and structured. Chewy. So flavorful. 7% semillon in this. It will age beautifully. Drink or hold.