2024 Danika Ranch Sauvignon Blanc
ABOUT DANIKA RANCH
Our Danika Ranch Estate Vineyard nurtures Sauvignon Blanc in the prestigious Oak Knoll District, situated at the southern tip of central Napa along the picturesque Napa River. Officially recognized as an AVA in 2004, the Oak Knoll District stands out for its distinctive microclimate, characterized by cooler temperatures and a prolonged growing season that results in grapes with unparalleled flavors and complexity.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
The region's rich, fertile loam soils and relatively flat terrain provide the perfect environment for white wine grape varieties. Dry farming, a method that enhances the vines' resilience and enriches grape character, is a key factor in producing our aromatic wines with lively acidity. These wines are a true reflection of the Oak Knoll District’s unique terroir and the meticulous care we put into our vineyard.
Our winemaking process is a testament to our dedication to quality. Grapes are carefully harvested at night when they are at their peak ripeness. They are then destemmed to our presses, where they rest for approximately 90 minutes before gently squeezing juice from the skins. A portion of the resulting juice is fermented cold in stainless steel tanks to retain bright, fragrant aromas and crisp acidity. The balance is fermented and aged in older French oak barrels, adding complexity and a lengthy mouthfeel to the finished wine. This vintage is a blend of the classic Sauvignon Blanc clones, which contribute to the citrus characters of the wine, along with Sauvignon Musque, which is a clone of Sauvignon Blanc that accents gooseberry and guava characters.
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 Danika Ranch Sauvignon Blanc presents vibrant, layered aromas of lime zest, crisp green apple, fresh grass, succulent lychee, and boxwood. Its bright acidity harmonizes beautifully with indulgent flavors reminiscent of key lime pie and refreshing grapefruit. This combination culminates in a luxurious, waxy texture and a mouthwatering finish that will leave you wanting more.