Plinth, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Plinth Wine began as a love letter from Flora and Jason Chang to their cherished Houyi Vineyard sitting atop Pritchard Hill. Like any good story, we must venture to the beginning.

After arriving in California in 2010, a majestic plot of land enchanted the Changs. It was there that they planted their entrepreneurial wine roots, founding Nine Suns Winery and Houyi Vineyard. The wine brand grew under their passionate direction, as did Houyi’s reputation among wine-lovers and winegrowers within—and far beyond—the rolling hills of Napa Valley.

In 2022, the Changs passed stewardship of the winery and vineyard to their longtime partners and friends, Realm Cellars. Their wine journey, though, was far from over. During those 12 years with Nine Suns, a budding interest in wine blossomed into a great reverence for wine's distinct ‘somewhere-ness’ and the occasions and people that give wine its meaningful relevance. This perspective on the meaning of a wine’s plinth inspired a brand devoted to both the land it grows from and the experiences over which it is shared.

Under the winemaking direction of Philippe Melka and continued relationship with Realm Cellars, Plinth produces its own expression of Pritchard Hill with a very limited batch of Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard wines and choreographs Bordeaux blends and white varietals that celebrate wine as a foundational element of a life well-lived.

Grape / Blend
Sauvignon Blanc

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This Sauvignon Blanc dazzles with vibrant perfume notes of apricot and honeysuckle. A short while later crisp hints of freshly grated lemon zest, and later still a velvety nutiness appears. These enchanting aromas open up on the palate with uplifting crispness, balanced acidity, and an initial sweetness that evolves to a mild creaminess and subtle minerality with notable hints of tropical fruit, melon, and a dash of almond extract. 

98 Points - Ian Blackburn
In a word "Sublime" - with an extra squeeze of lime...  there are a growing number of amazing Napa Sauvignons entering the marketplace... driving prices higher and making the large producers of Sauvignon Blanc exit the Napa Appellation.  This wine is a top tier effort - rare - racey and ridiculously delicious. This wine is grown on mega cabernet soils in and around Prichard Hill and is an elite wine from the soil to the hands that craft it... MELKA is the man with the plan for Sauvignon....hypnotic melody of melon, grapefruit pith, cumquat and peach... this wine has another GEAR - its not just layered, its has plus plus minerality and acidity that few can appreciate or replicate.  The mouth is elongated, dense, fleshy but fresh and zesty.  Rarely do I say 'wait" on a white from Napa but this will be amazing in another year...  Drinks 2025-2035 and then who knows. Color 14.5, Aroma 24.5, Body 24.5 Overall 34.5 = 98 points 

Product Size: 750mL