2024 AVETA Sauvignon Blanc
ABOUT AVETA
AVETA is named for a water goddess often depicted carrying fruit. It is a fitting moniker to express the vibrant fruit flavors and minerality of our Sauvignon Blanc which is crafted from fruit grown in the alluvial soils of our estate vineyards as well as other exceptional Napa Valley sites. While Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars began making Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc in the early 1980s, 2013 was the first vintage to carry the name “AVETA.”
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Most of the fruit for the 2024 AVETA Sauvignon Blanc comes from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley including our Danika Ranch estate vineyard, Bravo Zulu, and Ryan’s Vineyard. Fruit from Oak Knoll contributes a blend of spicy peach, guava, and grapefruit notes to the final wine. A quarter of the fruit comes from Rancho Chimiles Vineyard in Wooden Valley, a family-owned and operated farm that has provided fruit to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for over 50 years.
Fermentation occurred at cool temperatures using a combination of stainless steel (70%) and neutral French oak barrels (30%). The wine was then aged on light lees for six months, with bi-monthly
stirring to contribute a smoother texture.
VINTAGE
The 2024 season experienced 27.75 inches of rainfall, closely aligning with the five-year average of 24 inches. A cool spring gave way to warmer temperatures, with heat gradually intensifying through May and June. The average daily temperatures in 2024 surpassed those of 2023, marking this year as a warmer vintage overall. In contrast, 2023 was noted as the coolest vintage in the
past decade. In July, just before veraison, a heat spike helped manage vine vigor and accelerated flavor development. As a result, both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, along with many Cabernet
Sauvignon blocks, were harvested earlier and at lower brix levels than in previous years, due to this early flavor progression.
The harvest of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay occurred in rapid succession, followed by harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon from warmer sites. Overall, the harvest began and concluded three weeks earlier than the previous year. A brief cooling period in late September was succeeded by an extended heat event in early October, which led to an early conclusion of the harvest. This extended heatwave, with daily highs ranging from 94°F to 107°F stressed the vines, yet they displayed remarkable resilience and sustained minimal cluster damage due to precise and timely irrigation management by our viticulture teams.
The white wines from this vintage stand out with bright, vibrant flavors, characterized by crisp acidity and complexity. Similarly, the red wines enchant with their expressive profiles, elegantly framed by restrained tannins. This vintage embodies excellence, promising wines that will resonate with enthusiasts for years to come.
TASTING NOTES
The 2024 AVETA Sauvignon Blanc has enticing aromas of lemongrass, kiwi, tangerine, grapefruit juice, guava, dried herbs, and a hint of wet straw. The bright, refreshing acidity captivates the palate, showcasing vibrant citrus and mineral notes that culminate in a beautifully savory and elegant finish.