I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment for at least a decade. But finally, Sauvignon Blancs are getting the attention they deserve. Sales of mid-priced Sauvignons climbed 18% last year and 68% the year before that, according to the tracking service SipSource.
SipSource defined mid-priced as $25 to $50. But for this piece, I’ve narrowed the scope to $25 to $35 and focused on the Napa Valley. After three rounds of blind tastings, here are my Ten Top Mid-Priced Sauvignons From Napa—fantastic wines all of them.
Before listing the wines, one final point:
The general quality of Sauvignon Blancs in California as a whole has been on a steep upward trajectory for more than a decade. In fact, starting in 2016, we began to see the appearance of what I’ve called the “Super Sauvignons”—very complex Sauvignons reminiscent of the top white Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan. The Super Sauvignons are ravishing, but they’re also really expensive. We’ll report on a few of them later this year.
But since summer is upon us, here (in random order) are my Top Ten Napa Valley Sauvignon Blancs that cost $5 to $7 a glass. They are all super refreshing. (Check out how many came from Rutherford!)
• MINER Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Napa Valley, CA) $30
Tangy lime and fresh white peach notes, with a streak of minerality that gives the wine a blast of energy. Crisp, pure, and long. 94 points KM
• BRENDEL “Everbloom” Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Napa Valley, CA) $28
The dramatic fresh-sage side of Sauvignon. Lots of green peppercorn spicinesss, interspliced with pineapple-y acidity. 91 points KM
• TURNBULL Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Napa Valley, CA) $30
Refreshing, savory and tropical, with a lovely roundness. This is the little sister of Turnbull’s Super Sauvignon called “Josephine.” 92 points KM
• LONG MEADOW RANCH Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA) $26
From the Hall Family who also own Napa Valley’s Farmstead restaurant. Loads of delicious greenness—fresh pea pods, moss, and limes punctuated with a pop of tropical flavor at the end. 92 points KM
• FROG’S LEAP Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA) $30
Lime zest, pink grapefruit, green tea, and salty sea spray come rocketing out of the glass. Lots of freshness, terrific tension, and what the French call (admiringly) nervosité. 92 points KM
• CROCKER & STARR Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Napa Valley, CA) $30
Lovely. Soft, saline, and long with lemon curd and fresh sage notes. A complex, creamier style of Sauvignon thanks to its time spent in cement eggs and French oak. 93 points KM
• ACUMEN “Mountainside” Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA) $35
Notes of lime zest and spicy greens (reminiscent of arugula) with a slightly tropical lychee kick. Ripe and round, yet fresh and lifted at the same time. 92 points KM
• ST. SUPERY Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Napa Valley, CA) $25
St. Supery is known for several different Sauvignons, but this one from their estate is a favorite. Limey, peachy, and floral with a botanical lift. Taut and crisp. 92 points KM
• WHITEHALL LANE Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Rutherford. Napa Valley, CA) $26
Tart and tangy, reminiscent of Sancerre. Terrific oyster-shell minerality. Comes onto the palate with a big splash of flavor. Begging for a warm goat cheese salad. 92 points KM
• CLIFF LEDE Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Napa Valley, CA) $35
Bold and tangy with a clean freshness like the aroma of cotton sheets drying on a clothesline in the sun. A vivid hum of acidity ripples through the wine. Notes of key lime pie and green melon. 93 points KM
