Dear PrimeCellar members and friends, I hope you and your families are enjoying the warm summer weather. I have just returned from a two week vacation with my 11 year old son Alton, it was a father and son trip to get away from the rigors of busy city life, and spend some quality time together.
We had a wonderful time in the majestic Mountains of Livingston, Montana and in the incredible Lake Tahoe National Forest here in California. As I return to the business of wine on this warm Sunday afternoon at 4pm, I realize it’s the perfect time for a for glass a glass of Kelleher 2012 Sauvignon Blanc!
While my vacation was to avoid big crowds I can just imagine the thousands of vacationers pouring out of the wineries in the lovely Napa Valley after day of tasting in 85 degree weather and looking for their next glass of wine. Most likely that wine will be white and chilled! A fantastic place for that would be on one of the sofa’s overlooking the beautiful gardens and vineyards at Brix Restaurant in Napa where you can enjoy the exact wine I am sipping. I would bet all the seats are full and the sales of Kelleher Sauvignon Blanc are brisk and the wine is flowing.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is of course the star that brings people from all over the world to Napa, but we have a little saying in the wine business…”They come for the reds but leave with the whites!”.
2012 is a great vintage here in California and 2012 Kelleher is another winner from winemaker Craig Becker, I have absolutely loved all six vintages I have tasted of this wine. Invigorating and refreshing, light flavors of sweet lemon and round texture are proceeded by seductive aromas of white flowers; this quality is found in the very finest Sauvignon Blanc’s like Ch. Haut Brion Blanc!
Just minutes away in Yountville I’m sure the scene is similar at the Somerston Tasting room where people hope for a late cancellation at the famous French Laundry or Bouchon and two of Craig’s whites are also being poured.
I believe Craigs 2012 Priest Ranch Sauvingnon Blanc is his best yet, it features a fresher and livelier style as it only sees a touch of natural oak. Grenache Blanc is finally strating to catch on here in California and this is a great example why. Craigs 2012 has a strong attack of dry fruit, hints of melons and a really lovely, zesty finish.
After all of this I’m getting hungry! I think I will go to Brix and order the Summer Squash Salad and the Forest Mushroom Risotto!
Ralph Sands
PrimeCellar Consultant
