The Markham Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is a wine I found on sale, priced at $13.99; it is typically priced above $20. Markham Vineyards is a historic wine property dating back to the 1800s.
The Story
Bruce Markham founded the current winery in 1977, and it quickly became known as a premier producer of Merlot wine. The winemaker, Kimberlee Nicholls, joined the winery in 1993 and has been the head winemaker since 2001. The entire winemaking and vineyard team is female-led.
The Markham Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 sources grapes from its Little Cannon Vineyard in Oak Knoll and the Carpenter Vineyard in St Helens. The Little Cannon Vineyard is Markham’s own. It is located in the southern portion of Napa Valley, not far from the San Pablo Bay. It gets some morning fog off the bay.
The growing season was long and consistent.
This Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in Stainless Steel and then aged for 4 months, again in Stainless Steel.
The winemaking production techniques are not that different from the methods of other Sauvignon Blanc regions; it is the grapes that make the difference.
The Markham Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Tasting Notes
The color is pale yellow with a tint of green. The nose is subtle, floral with lemon, apple, and pear, tropical fruit, and candy spice. The Markham Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is smooth and sleek, with excellent length.
This Sauvignon Blanc tastes like tart apple, anjou pear, dried pineapple, melon, interesting spice, guava, stonefruit, and orange zest. This is a different flavor profile from most value-priced Sauvignon Blanc.
The acidity is nicely handled, giving this wine solid length.
Summary
- The Markham Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is a well-made, tasty Sauvignon Blanc.
- It has distinct flavors from its high-end Napa vineyards.
- If you are interested in Sauvignon Blanc and want to experience the next step up from value wine, this is an excellent starting point.
