Eisele Vineyard - Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard 2018

JAMES SUCKLING: "Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold."

DECANTER: "I'm always a big fan of this Sauvignon Blanc, for me it's one of the best examples of the grape that you can find in California (and beats most of them from Bordeaux). There is clear varietal character on the nose, with the precision of Sauvignon, but it's not overly done. The green notes on the palate come through as savoury and juicy, keepings things on the right side of mouthwatering without straying into tart and firmly emphasising citrus and crushed rock minerality, where the flavours squeeze and pick up through the palate."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Already bottled, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc bursts from the glass with energetic notes of fresh grapefruit, lime leaves, green apples and orange blossoms with wafts of dill seed and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is practically electric with vibrant citrus and apple flavors and a wonderfully spicy background, finishing fantastically long, minerally and refreshing."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aromatic and succulent, with highlights of fresh lemongrass, thyme and chive flower complementing the juicy pomelo, pear and Meyer lemon flavors at the core. A whiff of lanolin and saline adds a savory thread, showing terrific harmony and complexity on the supple finish. Drink now. 1,180 cases made. — MW"

JANCIS ROBINSON: "82% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 18% Sauvignon Blanc picked between 27 August and 10 September. The wines were aged on their lees for 12 months in a combination of stainless steel (35%), concrete eggs (12%), used oak (33%) and new oak (20%). The new regime has increased production from 600 to 1,180 cases and they now bottle in August not March or April. Mix of 27-year-old and quite young vines. Almost colourless. Very Sauvignon Blanc nose (no musky element). But then much richer on the palate than a Pessac-Léognan. Very good for Napa Sauvignon! Piercing acidity. Chewy finish. On the basis of previous tastings of this wine, I expect it will last much longer than many Sauvignons."