Last wine from Saddleback Cellars and tasted with the Balletto Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Clearer than the SB with a more golden hue. A little tight initially on the nose. Some notes of white and citrus fruits. As it opened up it added some complexity, brown sugar and a little warm too. Definitely some Granny Smith apples on the palate with some moderate acidity (6/10) and body. Added in some tropical notes, with a slightly creamy mid palate. Long finish and delicious.

18th vintage of this Pinot Blanc made exclusively from the Estate Vineyard of Saddleback Cellars in Oakville, Napa Valley. Once whole cluster pressing and cold settling was complete the wine was then racked into small stainless steel fermenters and inoculated with Premiere Cuvee yeast. Premiere Cuvee yeast is generally used for fermentations that require high alcohol tolerance, a new kick start in the fermenter and favored among sparkling wines. After fermenting in a temperature controlled environment the wine was transferred into 10% new French oak barrels and 90% neutral French oak barrels for six months. Additionally it remained on the lees and stirred every two weeks. Only 142 cases produced.

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