We owe you an apology.

Looking over last year’s offers, we came to a startling conclusion… there was nowhere near enough whites, especially Sauvignon Blanc.

Today, we’re making it up to you in a BIG way. This one’s for everyone who craves that jolt of pure, luminous, tantalizingly tropical crispness. You see, we landed a gorgeous example with killer pedigree made by none other than the supremely talented, the indisputably revered Julian Fayard. Oh yes… we’re talking premium Napa goodness for $18. It smashes expectations in a big way.

Two Old Dogs, a small label under JACK, descended from the legacy of Herb Lamb Vineyards. They recently cut a deal with Jennifer Lamb and took it over, bringing Fayard in as the winemaker. The French-born winemaker extraordinaire must have learned a thing or two at First Growth Lafite Rothschild, and Smith Haut Lafitte before arriving stateside to set a golden 100-point standard at places like Melka, Quintessa, Realm, Covert Estate, to name a few.

Wine Spectator publicized their inaugural release with fanfare and hefty scores, writing “There’s a new All-Star in Napa Valley” and continuing “Former Toronto Blue Jays, L.A. Angels and New York Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells has teamed with Seattle Mariners catcher Chris Iannetta to create Jack Winery. Iannetta, whose grandparents made wine in their Rhode Island home, says the project is an exploration of his family’s Italian winemaking roots.”

This stuff has a pure, tongue tickling freshness that lit up our tastebuds like Clark Griswold’s house. What’s the secret to this level of tropical intensity?? Maybe it’s the combination of Sauvignon Blanc from Rutherford with a small percentage of Sauvignon Musqué sourced from Yountville. The result is extraordinary, with an almost Pouilly-Fume type personality. White flowers, stony minerality, and ALL manner of tropical fruit - guava, passionfruit, and cantaloupe. And lemons. Meyer to meringue pie, pith to curd, SO much lemon. And wait… is that lemongrass? Kaffir lime leaves? Or tangerine peel? Buddha’s hand too for Buddha’s sake? Remarkable really! Slightly creamy on the palate, with moderate acidity. You’ll wonder what happened to the bottle when it’s empty.

We urge, nay, compel you to add a few to your locker. Won’t regret it.