Castiel Estate, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2024

About The Producer
Inspired by Dave and Kathleen’s desire to capture time and place, Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a collaboration among nature, patient and caring human hands, and artistic excellence. It speaks clearly of its unique and extraordinary location upon Howell Mountain. It is masterfully brought to life by the talented and renowned winemaker, Celia Welch, whose deep knowledge and understanding of expressing terroir allows each vintage to showcase its unique qualities while maintaining the consistency of Howell Mountain characteristics.

Since the first vintage in 2014, attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. At the winery, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen with intent by manual and sophisticated optical sorting methods. During fermentation, the wine is left on the skins until complete, and then pressed and transferred to French oak barrels to age for 18 to 22 months. Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine structured around the backbone of minerality, concentrated fruit, powerful richness and integrated tannins, the hallmark qualities of a Howell Mountain cabernet.

Each vintage begins life in the vineyard where attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. Grapes are harvested by hand in several passes, resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. Arriving at the winery in the cool morning hours, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen, with intent, through optical and manual sorting processes. The wine is barrel aged in 100% French oak for 20-22 months then bottle aged 12-14 months prior to release."

Sustainably Farmed.

Winemaker
Maayan Koschitzky

Grape / Blend
Sauvignon Blanc

Origin
St. Helena, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Made in a fresh, vibrant Sancerre style, the 2024 Castiel Estate Sauvignon Blanc is complex and layered, with expressions of white flowers, lemon, citrus, melon, and a hint of passion fruit. On the palate, a medium bodied richness and an integrated acidity fold seamlessly into a clean, crisp, pleasant, and lingering finish. These Sauvignon Blanc Clone I vines were planted in the 1980s and are 100% organically farmed. The fruit was hand harvested on August 21st, whole cluster pressed, cold settled overnight, then barrel fermented in 20% new French oak at fifty-five degrees. Aged 10 months sur lees.

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Now made by Maayan Koschitzky, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Castiel St. Helena is a bright, juicy white from Saint Helena that delivers ripe citrus, lemon curd, honeyed white flowers, and a touch of oyster shell. It's medium-bodied and ripe, with a round, textured mouthfeel, yet at the same time it stays incredibly juicy, clean, and pure. Based on Sauvignon Blanc and aged eight months in barrels, it has plenty of freshness as well as depth for the style. It is best enjoyed over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032.

Product Size: 750ml