2022 Rancho Chimiles Sauvignon Blanc
ABOUT RANCHO CHIMILES
Vineyard-designated Sauvignon Blancs are rare, but Rancho Chimiles, the source for this wine is deserving of the honor. Terrence Wilson, owner of Rancho Chimiles and one of our longtime friends, is a meticulous grower whose philosophy of farming matches our own. Fruit from Rancho Chimiles has always been an integral part of our Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, but we also produce small quantities of this single vineyard wine for our wine club members and winery visitors.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Tucked into the hills of Wooden Valley northeast of the town of Napa, the Rancho Chimiles vineyard is influenced by nearby San Pablo Bay, which funnels cool air and fog into the area in the evening and early morning hours. But at an elevation of 615 feet, the vineyard also receives plenty of sunshine. By carefully controlling the vigor of the vines, Wilson produces fruit with a focused core of racy, citrus notes and minerality. These characteristics are carefully nurtured in the winery by foregoing malolactic fermentation and by aging the wine in Acacia barrels that enhance the guava and tangerine flavors.
VINTAGE
The 2022 vintage was the third year in a row of drought. Following the 2021 harvest, we received a record rainfall of 11.20 inches at the end of October, resulting in saturated soil profiles. Unfortunately, the rest of the winter was remarkably dry. We began the 2022 season with early mowing and tillage to conserve as much soil moisture as possible. There was an unusual hail/rainstorm at bloom that reduced yields in some vineyards. This was followed by a late frost in mid-April, but thankfully we did not get extreme freezing temperatures. Spring weather was very unpredictable, with a mix of cool, warm, and hot days. To add to the excitement, Mother Nature gave us some late June rain that increased the mildew pressure across the valley. It wasn’t until mid-July when we reached our typical summer temperatures. The rest of the summer was unremarkable, with average temperatures and good growing conditions. Then, just at the start of harvest, we experienced a nine-day heat wave with record temperatures. Despite the drought and extreme heat at harvest, with careful attention to the timing of our work in the vineyards, we brought in exceptional fruit. Overall, the wines from this vintage have riper flavors and softer acid structures.
TASTING NOTES
This wine offers a delightful array of aromas, beginning with the zesty essence of tangerine that dances alongside the tartness of gooseberries and the refreshing hint of lime. As you savor each sip, the tropical sweetness of guava emerges, rounding out the aromatic profile. The wine envelops you on the palate in a luxurious, round mouthfeel, its texture silky and inviting. The bright acidity invigorates the senses, creating a lively interplay with the fruitiness. The finish lingers gracefully as you continue to enjoy, leaving a lasting impression of citrus freshness intertwined with delicate floral nuances.