2004 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Blend
91% Sauvignon Blanc
9% Semillon
Production
7,840 cases of 750ml bottles
The Vintage
The heavy rains really weren't an issue in Spring of 2004 and the warm March weather led to an early budbreak. The perfect summer weather was fantastic for flavor and sugar development in the grapes. The 2004 growing season concluded with an early harvest with grapes maturing approximately two weeks ahead of normal but with yields that were somewhat lower than expected.
Winemaking
The wine and winemaking techniques remain consistent from vintage to vintage because of the outstanding growing conditions in the vineyards every year. This 2004 wine follows in the Whitehall Lane style of a fruit forward and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. 70% of the fruit was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and 30% in new French oak barrels. The barrel fermented portion was aged 'on the lees' for two months. Utilizing both tank and barrels for fermenting and aging allows for crisp fruit flavors plus the added complexity and richness from the barrel fermentation. A small amount of Semillon was blended in to enhance the flavors and mouth-feel.
Tasting Notes
The 2004 Sauvignon Blanc is lively and crisp with aromas of grapefruit, honeydew melon and hints of peach. It is light to medium bodied and delivers rich and refreshing flavors and excellent balance.
This is the first Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc sealed with a cork free closure. The screw cap closure that was used has a liner that was designed specifically for wine and forms an ideal seal to retain the freshness of this Sauvignon Blanc.