Rombauer Vineyards recently released their 2016 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. This is the first time Rombauer has made Sauvignon Blanc available on a national level. They produced Sauvignon Blanc in 2014 and 2015 as well, but in very small volumes and it was available only winery direct and in a few markets.

The wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and the fruit comes from a variety of Napa Valley vineyards, most of which are in Pope Valley. [Pope Valley is two or three miles northeast of Howell Mountain and is not an AVA.] The soil there is gravelly and the climate moderate—both ideal for high-quality Sauvignon Blanc.

Fermentation was in stainless steel tanks (90%) and neutral French oak (10%). The barrel-fermented wine also aged three months in the wood before being blended in the tanks. The barrels don’t contribute any flavors or aromas directly to the wine, but allow the wine to soften and build complexity.

2016 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 89 14.4% 750ml screw cap $24

The wine is light lemon-green in the glass and generously aromatic. The palate is very juicy with medium to medium-plus body. Aromas and flavors include guava, white flowers, underripe nectarine, chervil, grass and grapefruit. The lengthy finish shows some minerality.

This is a very good Sauvignon Blanc and fans of New Zealand style will be especially appreciative. It will be excellent with salads, fresh tomatoes and grilled or fried seafood. The wine is under screw cap and benefits from a bit of air.

About Rombauer Vineyards

Rombauer Vineyards is a family-owned winery based in eastern St. Helena, Napa Valley. It was established in 1980 to produce Cabernet Sauvignon, first released in 1984. Also released that year was a Chardonnay, the variety with which the name Rombauer is now inextricably linked. Rombauer also produces Merlot, Zinfandel and dessert wines.

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Copyright Fred Swan 2017. Photo courtesy of Rombauer Vineyards. All rights reserved.

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