The 2023 Georgia Sauvignon Blanc opens with a vivid burst of citrus aromatics—lemon zest, lime blossom, and preserved Meyer lemon peel—layered over a gentle framework of warm oak and subtle vanilla cream. Nuances of white peach, crisp green apple, and Anjou pear follow, lifted by white acacia and a wisp of crushed fennel seed. With time in the glass, accents of beeswax, chamomile, and struck flint emerge, adding aromatic intrigue. The medium-bodied palate is sleek and finely textured, with a supple entry that builds into racy, mouthwatering acidity and an almost tactile tension, like biting into a just-ripened lemon and cool, crunchy apple laced with sea salt. A silken lees-derived richness balances the wine’s brisk freshness, while flavours of grilled grapefruit, lime curd, and toasted almond echo on the long, resonant finish. Grapes are sourced entirely from Lail's estate, Totem Vineyard, in Yountville, then fermented and aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. Tasted with Robin Lail in early March of 2025 at her home on Howell Mountain. Lail Vineyards is a partnership between fourth-generation vintner Robin Daniel Lail and her daughters, Erin and Shannon. Robin's great-granduncle was Gustave Niebaum, who founded Inglenook in 1879. Her father is John Daniel, Jr., who managed the estate until 1964, when he sold it. Maayan Koschitzky and Philippe Melka craft the Lail wines. (JC)

One of the top-rated Napa Valley examples of this variety, Lail's 2023 Georgia Sauvignon Blanc raises the bar for what is a perennial beacon of quality. Complex accents of crushed stone, struck match and pencil shavings join fig and melon notes on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is silky-textured, ripe and rich without being weighty. Cap that off with a long, mouthwatering finish and the result is a wine of enduring deliciousness. The vineyard was originally planted by George Yount in 1839, but the current dry-farmed vines "only" go back to 1988. Planted to Merlot then, it was grafted over to Sauvignon Blanc in 2006–2007.

A lovely wine that reflects the vintage, showing precision, taut freshness and a mineral core. The palate is tightly wound, with long acidity and a persistent, citrus-driven finish. A fine interpretation of 100% sauvignon blanc, fermented in 60% new French oak. Drink or hold.