The year 2008 marks the third vintage of the “Toquade” Sauvignon Blanc. The vintages of 2006 through 2008 grew in an organic dry-farmed vineyard in Yountville, planted in 1978. This vineyard has the perfect “terroir” for Sauvignon Blanc. The soil’s water holding capacity and microclimate are optimal for growing grapes that best express Sauvignon Blanc’s unique flavors.
In 2008 as in 2007, Yountville experienced one of the lowest rainfalls in 10 years. In 2008, the rain stopped by early April, and consequently there were 19 days of frost just after bud break that resulted in the loss of potential fruit. The substantially smaller crop and drought led to an early veraison in mid-July and in turn an early harvest. The cool, early growing season, occurring from May to July, was excellent for the berry synthesis of aroma precursors. During the later growing season, there were two heat spikes, one in late-July and then mid-August; both spikes promoted rapid sugar accumulation in fruit. “Toquade” was hand-harvested at the point of optimal flavor development, which occurred early on the morning of August 23rd. At a garage winery in St Helena, the flavor inherent to the fruit of Sauvignon blanc were gently extracted. The juice was fermented and aged “sur lie” in stainless steel barrels for seven months, with weekly stirring to develop the roundness, palate, and texture. “Toquade” was then bottled in early May 2009. This year’s packaging has a pressure sensitive label. In previous years, the wine labeling was done by hand. We are proud of our progress.
“Toquade” is a pure, unfined expression of Sauvignon Blanc fruit from a single vineyard in Napa Valley. “Toquade” has grapefruit, passion fruit, lychee and mango notes, a crispy first mouth with creamy mid pallet, and a long finish that explodes with exotic fruit. “Toquade” can be matched with many foods, including seafood, sushi, bruschetta, cheeses, and white meats.Production: 250 cases Sold Out
by Haley Schandelmier
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