Clif Family Winery Rte Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Oak Knoll District 2023

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Oak Knoll District

Varietal Sauvignon Blanc

Retail Price $30

ABV 13.5%

Score 4 Stars/92 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, light green/gold color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of grass, red grapefruit, citrus zest, and fresh herbs with supporting notes of star fruit, green tea, and kiwi.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of red grapefruit, lemongrass, quince, and wet stones. The finish is crisp.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture.

Cool Factor

We love the Clif Family Rte Sauvignon Blanc, which carves out its own style with calls to New Zealand, France, and, of course, California.

Value Grade

Fewer than 1,500 cases made, superb quality, and a sensible, premium price tag make this wine a value for wine lovers seeking unique wines with personality.

Analysis

Tasting the Clif Family Winery Rte Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Oak Knoll District 2023 marked our first experience with wines from this Napa Valley producer. While much of the Napa Valley is too hot to produce Sauvignon Blanc with vibrancy and complex citrus notes (the hallmark of Sauvignon Blanc), the fruit for this wine comes from the organically farmed Valle di Sotto vineyard in Napa Valley's famed Oak Knoll District. Oak Knoll sits at the southern end of the Napa Valley, where the proximity to the San Pablo Bay offers cool nights and early mornings. To preserve the beautiful grapefruit and herbal notes, this wine was aged in 80% stainless steel and 20% neutral oak for four months with no malolactic fermentation. Malolactic is great in most Chardonnays as it enhances the rich and creamy elements of the fruit, while Sauvignon Blanc is best expressed with bright acidity. Further, this wine is bottled at a moderate alcohol that also contributes to its vibrancy.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled but not too cold as this will mute the subtle aromatics and flavors found in this wine. Serve with grilled fish, stir fries, and green curry.