Mission Codename Mont Blanc
“…very pure and precise…” – Decanter
Burning Daylight!
Would that not make the best spy movie title? In fact, this deal is BLOCKBUSTER MATERIAL. It’s that epic.
You know what else is epic? The humble winery-direct-only $65 library price going all the way down to an eye-watering $29. Brings a tear to the eye like when Sam tries to prevent Frodo from leaving alone by attempting to get to the boat.
Add a well-earned 94 POINT accolade, and the only thing missing is an accompanying score from Hans Zimmer.
Medlock always brings big scores - like the inaugural FLAG we snuck into the Store to celebrate today’s find - and this vintage is no exception, with the aforementioned 94 points on this today… That’s all gravy, but there is one problem. Most of their wines are sold straight out of the tasting room or to their wine club members. Or, occasionally, from your favorite in-the-know websites for wine deal reconnaissance… so get it while you can!
2023 is getting ALL THE HYPE in Napa-Sonoma circles. And it’s deserved. As Vinography wrote, “The 2023 vintage has been heralded as nothing less than epic, with some folks calling it the vintage of a lifetime… 2023s have great acidity and wonderful juicy fruit…” He meant THIS!
Chris Medlock James and Ames Morison, college best friends who left the hustle of NYC for the rolling hills of eastern Sonoma County, knew what they wanted from the beginning. Driving around Chalk Hill Road, their vision was realized at Bell Mountain Ranch. Of course, we dig their obsession with farming organically, without using pesticides, and their commitment to sustainability.
Ames was the original winemaker, but today they have Abby Watt at the helm and Jean Hoefliger overseeing as a consultant. Abby worked at the vaunted Hartford Court before leading the charge here, and of course, Hoefliger puts his stamp on many outstanding high press-darling wines from AXR, The Debate, Alpha Omega, Harbison, Michel Rolland, and on, and on.
So, do you feel the white Bordeaux vibes here? It’s honestly not too far in depth and richness than dare we say a Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux! Which would set you back $300 a bottle. For a very similar style from a neighbor literally next door, look to Vérité’s new mailing-list-only SB at $200+ a bottle. OR slip just under $30 with us, while it lasts, for a rollercoaster ride of a white Bordeaux clone, elegant, creamy, and complex as can be Sauvignon Blanc from the heat of Alexander Valley.
It sits in that perfect spot of a massive burst of fresh fruit developed inside a creamy envelope of lovely oak aging nuances without the wood aromas, all enhanced by crisp acidity and refreshing minerality. It’s a serious enough white to match the bacon wrapped around your favorite shellfish. Or perhaps Anita C’s pan-seared Amberjack with lemon caper sauce and risotto? Should age well too, as it has the layers and intensity that will keep it fascinating for years.
Seize this wow white at a stupid low price.
94 Points – Decanter “A very pure and precise wine in 2023, with a solid core of chalky minerality, notes of straw, and crunchy, juicy apple with a hint of French pastry. Medium-bodied, it features a concentrated core of succulent fruit alongside a backbone of lime-zest acidity, providing tension and energy from the first to the last sip. Sourced from the Bell Mountain Vineyard in the Alexander Valley, the wine was barrel-fermented and aged on the lees for 8 months. Drink 2024-2032.”
What the Winery Says
2023 'Burning Daylight' Estate Sauvignon Blanc
- Consulting winemaker
- Jean Hoefliger
- Winemaker
- Abby Watt
- Varietal
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Vintage
- 2023
- Alcohol
- 14.1%
- Appellation
- Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
- Vineyard
- Bell Mountain Vineyard
- Total acidity
- 4.8 g/L
- pH
- 3.46
- Aging
- 8 months
- Barrels
- 12% new French oak
About the Winery
Medlock Ames
WHAT THE AGENTS SAY
Agent Picks