2021 Sauvignon Blanc Georgia
Buying options
Tasting notes
Fruit comes from the Totem Estate vineyard in Yountville. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels (60% new) for 18 months. 416 cases made. Smells of vanilla cream and lemon zest with a hint of sweet oak. Bright flavours of lemon peel and lemon juice mix with a hint of vanilla and a light, chalky grip. Mouth-watering acidity and brightness. (AY)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The flagship 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Georgia sees a longer aging and is brought up all in wood. It's a much more serious Sauvignon Blanc that has some ripe citrus and pineapple notes as well as some toasty, spicy nuances. Much more Bordeaux Blanc in style, it's medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, integrated acidity, and a great finish.
Consistently one of Napa Valley's finest Sauvignon Blancs since it was first produced in 2002, the trend over time has been to use barrels that have less impact and less new oak overall. The 2021 Georgia Sauvignon Blanc comes from a single three-acre, dry-farmed parcel of vines planted as Merlot in 1988 and grafted over to Sauvignon Blanc in 2006 and 2007. It's part of the same property originally planted by George Yount in 1839, the first grapes planted in Napa Valley. All barrel fermented and kept on lees for 18 months, it's a profoundly concentrated style, boasting scents of toasted oak, pear, peach, guava and pineapple on the nose. In the mouth, this medium to full-bodied wine is plush, round and expansive yet balanced, being fresh, zesty and long on the finish.
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Georgia is delicate, airy and nicely lifted. Gentle touches of pear, apricot, white flowers and lime all take shape in the glass. This is an especially understated vintage for the Georgia, in line with the recent norm here.