2014 Ceja Sauvignon Blanc

Ceja Vineyards of Napa Valley was officially founded in 1999 by brothers Pedro and Armando Ceja and their wives, and the winery now owns 113 acres of vineyards in the Napa Valley. For nearly 15 years before starting the winery the brothers and their wives grew grapes for other winemakers on acreage they had purchased as young married couples by combining their financial resources. As the sons of a Mexican couple who immigrated to the United States in the late ‘60s to work in the Napa vineyards, the Ceja brothers have an unusually close attachment to the land. Today Armando is the winemaker and the brothers’ extended families run the winery, based in Carneros. Though the winery makes many red and white wines, it is particularly noted for its Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This crisp, dry white wine hails from France but is grown in wine regions around the world. In California, it is sometimes called Fume Blanc; while in Sauternes, it is a component of their famous dessert wines.