Saddleback Cellars
2011 Oakville Estate Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc •Estate Vineyards
California: Napa Valley
Mission Briefing
Can't Top Perfection
One of our favorite winemakers, Nils Venge, makes a welcome return to TWS with his delectable Saddleback Cellars 2011 Oakville Estate Pinot Blanc. Sourced from his prized Oakville Estate Vineyards, the quality fruit and expert winemaking shine through in today’s excellent white wine.
Today’s wine has all the characteristics that California Chard fans adore: creamy, buttery goodness mixed with fresh fruit and a touch of honey. What sets today’s Pinot Blanc apart is the zippy acidity that’s paired with these familiar flavors. Our tasting panel couldn’t get enough, with quite a few members remarking that this might be the best warm weather wine we’ve tried in some time.
We humbly suggest giving the varietal a chance - you will not be sorry! Today’s wine is exactly what the Agents here at HQ look for on a warm day, and we think you will too!
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Sunshine yellow, almost straw in color, throughout the glass. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Bold and aromatic on the nose, with notes that any Chardonnay fan would love. Baked apple, Anjou pear, and orange zest are joined by vanilla bean, honeycomb, brioche, and a touch of white flower. |
| Taste: | Incredibly fresh flavors greet you on the palate, with Meyer lemon, green apple, and ruby grapefruit balanced against lime flower, orange oil, buttery brioche, sweet vanilla bean, and a touch of honey. |
| Finish: | Very soft and supple on the finish, with a lovely crispness in the acidity. Flavors of Meyer lemon and warm vanilla play out on the finale. |
| Pairing: | A light and fresh crab salad, jazzed up with a saffron aioli. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Nils Venge
- Appellation
- Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- Vineyard
- 100% Estate Vineyards
- Fruit Variety
- 100% Pinot Blanc
- Cooperage
- Five months in 15% new French oak, 85% neutral oak
- ABV
- 13.5%