Joseph Phelps Vineyards St. Helena Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Joseph Phelps is a legend in Napa for defining that delicious rich Napa style which is epitomized by Phelps “Insignia”- but he also makes a knockout Sauvignon Blanc from Napa as well. The 2013 Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc is beautiful, focused and full of energy. Pears, lemon oil, white flowers and mint flesh out in an inviting, layered Sauvignon Blanc endowed with gorgeous texture and personality. The aromatics are expressive and floral, but the emphasis is all on texture, much of it coming from fermentation in puncheon. The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc was aged for seven months in 35% new French oak puncheons and 65% one to three-year-old French oak puncheons and barrels before bottling in May 2014.  The lees were stirred during and after fermentation for a silky, round mouthfeel and light oak influence while preserving focused acidity and finesse in the wine. This wine shows bright Mandarin orange blossom, lemon curd, citrus and honey aromas. Full, ripe flavors of Meyer lemon, pear, honeydew melon and vanilla cream fill the mouth with a streak of minerality through to the nicely balanced long citrus finish. The 2013 growing season proved to be another excellent year in Napa Valley. Overall, it was slightly warmer than 2012, resulting in the earliest Sauvignon Blanc harvest at Phelp's St. Helena Home Ranch Vineyard in the last seven years.

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