2015 Cade Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Screwcap)

Cade, on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley, was founded in 2005 by a trio of Bay Area wine entrepreneurs. The principals are Gavin Newsom, former San Francisco Mayor; Gordon Getty, investor; and John Conover, a long-time wine industry executive. The three men were also the team behind PlumpJack Wines and they have interests in restaurants and resorts in Northern California. The 54-acre Cade estate is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeaux style wine and Sauvignon Blanc.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

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.