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Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Rock the Ride USA's Eighth Annual Event Brings Trifecta of National Gun Safety Champions to Napa Valley
Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Gabby Giffords, Moms Demand Action Executive Director Angela Ferrell-Zabala, and Brady President Kris Brown, Share Stage on June 28 Napa, CA - June 4, 2025 - Rock the Ride USA, an annual community event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for gun violence prevention, returns for its eighth year on June 28 in Yountville, CA with an all-star lineup on national leaders in gun safety. This annual bike ride and walk brings people together to take action on one of our country's most pressing issues – gun violence. With its inspiring motto — ' Community. Action. Change. Together. '— the family -friendly morning offers a choice of a 25 - mile bike ride, 15 - mile bike ride, 5.5- mile bike ride, or 3 - mile walk. Participants will finish in Yountville Community Park for a Burritos & Bubbles brunch, a silent auction, and the Voices of Change speakers panel featuring national and local leaders working to end gun violence. Returning title sponsor, Sutter Health's Dr. Robert Nordgren, chief medical officer of Sutter's Greater San Francisco Division stated, 'supporting the health and well-being of our communities – both inside and outside of clinical settings – is central to our mission. Rock the Ride provides a powerful platform to bring people together around the shared goal of creating safer environments for our families, friends and neighbors.' This year, Rock the Ride welcomes The Honorable Gabby Giffords, former congresswoman, gun violence survivor, and co-founder of GIFFORDS as one of the event's featured guests. After surviving a 2011 mass shooting in Arizona, Giffords became a national leader in the gun safety movement. In 2013, she co-founded what is now GIFFORDS, an organization committed to saving lives through legislative action and electoral support along with its nonprofit litigation arm Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. 'Having Gabby with us this year means so much to me, and to our community. Her story is extraordinary - the mental and physical comeback - and to now be leading a powerful national organization fighting to end the epidemic of gun violence is incredibly impressive. We will all walk away from Rock the Ride inspired to continue to take action,' stated Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04), the inspiration behind Rock the Ride. The Rock the Ride organizing team is also thrilled to host Angela Ferrell-Zabala, who was named Moms Demand Action's first-ever Executive Director in 2023 following organization founder Shannon Watts' retirement. (Watts attended Rock the Ride in 2019.) As a grassroots organizer for many causes—including women's rights, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, reproductive rights, racial justice, and education—Ferrell-Zabala's outlook aligns with Rock the Ride's mission: "No action is too small. My background as an organizer has taught me that what matters most is showing up for your community. When we do that, every small effort builds toward meaningful change." Moms Demand Action, along with Students Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety, is the nation's largest grassroots volunteer network working to end gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of families, educates policymakers and parents about the importance of secure firearm storage, and works to create a culture of gun safety through partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and influencers. Joining Rock the Ride for the first time is Brady, one of the nation's oldest gun violence prevention groups, and approaches ending gun violence in America in three critical ways: changing the laws, changing the industry, and changing the culture. Brady President, Kris Brown, who will be in attendance at Rock the Ride, has shaped the national conversation on gun violence as a public health crisis, launched the organization's groundbreaking safe storage program, End Family Fire, steered Brady's efforts to engage Black and Brown communities most impacted by gun homicide, and oversaw the fomation of Team ENOUGH - Brady's youth-led initiative founded after Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland, FL. Rock the Ride also welcomes featured notable guest Rahsaan Bahati, a distinguished 10-time U.S. National cycling champion cyclist and the visionary founder of the Bahati Foundation (based in Los Angeles), created to inspire, empower, and uplift underrepresented youth. Through his foundation, Rahsaan has extended his influence on the African continent, forging collaborations with the Ghana and Burkina Faso Cycling Federations. Rashaan will participate in both the Friday evening dinner and Saturday's ride and Voices of Change Speakers series. New to the 2025 event is a Friday evening fundraiser dinner hosted at HALL Rutherford Estate & Caves, limited to 30 guests. 'We look forward to kicking off Rock the Ride with this exclusive dinner with the Gabby Giffords, Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Kris Brown and Rahsaan Bahati in attendance. This intimate experience will no doubt allow our guests to have access and opportunities to ask questions of these national leaders,' said Rebecca Kotch, co-founder of Rock the Ride. 'Ultimately, whether our guests are at the dinner, or on a 25-mile bike ride, the goal of the event is to educate and empower our audience on how they can make a difference in preventing gun violence.' Congressman Mike Thompson, whose advocacy inspired the event's creation, will lead the 25-mile ride. The day will feature remarks from representatives of partner organizations, including Arik Housley of Alaina's Voice Foundation Moms Demand Action, GIFFORDS, and Brady along with Dr. Mark Shapiro, physician and host of Explore the Space podcast, returning as event moderator for the Voices of Change speakers' panel. Event Background Rock the Ride USA was founded in 2018 following the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and The Pathway Home veterans' program in Yountville, CA. The event was born out of a bike riding conversation between Congressman Thompson, former Napa County Sheriff John Robertson, and event producer Rebecca Kotch. Later that year, the shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks tragically took the life of Napa native Alaina Housley. Her family's foundation, Alaina's Voice, became a beneficiary of Rock the Ride in 2019. Registration & Sponsors Event registration ranges from $35–$150 per person, and youth ages 17 and under participate free in the walk. Proceeds benefit the California Chapter of Moms Demand Action/Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Law Center, and Alaina's Voice Foundation. Participants are also able to fundraise for Brady United. In addition to Sutter Health, sponsors include: Trinchero Family Estates, DP&F Law, the Wine Institute, Mike Thompson for Congress, HALL Wines, Napa Valley Vintners, The Doctors Company, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry for Assembly, Clif Family Winery, Joelle Gallagher for Supervisor, Anne Cottrell for Supervisor, Dr. Erica Conway DDS, Mad Fritz Beer, Tomorrow Cellars, Frog's Leap Winery, Explore the Space, Napa Printing, Napa County Bicycle Coalition, Hilo Botanicals and several anonymous and in-kind donors. Facebook: Instagram: @rocktheride Website: Media Contact: Rebecca Kotch rebecca@ 323.806.5900 Media Contact Company Name: Rock the Ride USA Contact Person: Rebecca Kotch Email: Send Email City: Napa State: CA Country: United States Website:
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Artem Chigvintsev buys $915k house in Napa Valley after ex Nikki Bella is awarded marital property in divorce settlement
Artem Chigvintsev has purchased a new house in Napa Valley, California, after ex Nikki Bella was awarded their marital property in the divorce settlement. The Dancing with the Stars alum and the two-time WWE Divas Champion settled their divorce on April 30 and the settlement terms both parties agreed on have since been revealed. Nikki, 41, was awarded the former couple's marital home in Yountville, California, which she purchased in 2020 for $1,500,000, and he moved into shortly after. In the judgment of divorce, Artem, 42, listed his address as a rental in Napa where he had been living from October 2024 until the time of filing the child custody document last month. He was paying $4,995 per month for rent, per real estate records. He moved out of the marital home he shared with Nikki after his arrest, which took place in August, when he was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence. Charges were dropped a month later due to lack of sufficient evidence, according to the Napa County District Attorney's Office. . Nikki was awarded their marital home (pictured) in Yountville, California, which she purchased in 2020 for $1.5 million, and he moved into shortly after The pro dancer has since purchased a new home in Napa Valley as of May 13. According to the deed exclusively obtained by Artem is now the owner of a three-bedroom, three-bathroom property on a secluded street. The 2,395 square-foot house is located on nearly five acres of land that is shielded by a ton of trees and gives way to views of the nearby mountains. The home is less than 11 miles away, or a 20-minute drive, from his former marital home, which is now solely owned by Nikki and also has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Artem purchased the home two weeks ago for $915,000, but per real estate records, he took out a $640,500 loan, which he's expected to pay off by June 2026. He has two other properties, which are in Los Angeles County. In the divorce settlement, obtained by Artem was awarded his condo in Van Nuys, California, which he purchased in December 2022 for $323,000, and townhouse in Pacoima, California, which he purchased in February 2021 for $400,000. Nikki was awarded their marital home - with the exes keeping their own furniture and furnishings - but Nikki had to return her leased 2023 Mercedes to Artem by February 2025 because it was in his business' name. She also had to pay Artem an equalization payment in the sum of $200,000 to satisfy any claims related to the division of assets, debts, and reimbursements as a complete buyout of any and all spousal support obligations - which they both have waived. The first $100,000 of that was due by April 30, the date the judgment was executed. And $50,000 is due by June 1, followed by the other $50,000 due by December 31. In addition, she was ordered to pay Artem $3,500 per month for child support for their son Matteo. The parents share joint legal and physical custody of the four year old. Nikki spoke candidly on the latest episode of The Nikki & Brie Show podcast about their divorce settlement and her reaction to the $200,000 'steal.' 'Our settlement is what everyone saw. Yes, I had to give him $200,000. Spousal support, alimony,' she said, as twin sister Brie Bella chimed in, 'That's what happens when you're the breadwinner.' But according to Nikki, the $200,000 payout didn't leave her bitter - in fact, she shocked listeners by admitting she 'got a steal' in the deal. The Total Bellas star also revealed a jaw-dropping comment from the judge who oversaw their private mediation. 'Our judge said at the end of it, "This is the first time in all the years I've done this where a woman had to pay a man,"' Nikki recalled. '"You should be so damn proud that you built such an empire that someone wants a piece of it."' The couple got married in August 2022 in Paris. Their two-year marriage came to an end in September 2024 when the Total Bella stars filed for divorce She added, 'It was nice to hear that… even though it hurts because I broke my neck for that money. That money, all that is my hard-earned money.' Last fall, a judge in the case ruled that the exes would share custody of their only child, more than a month after Nikki filed for divorce. She had initially petitioned the court for sole custody of their son and also asked for the court to appoint a supervisor for Matteo's visits with the Russia native and asked that her former spouse be ordered to attend anger management courses - all requests that have since been denied by the court. Chigvintsev told the court at the time that he doesn't have anger-related issues. However, both parents were ordered by the court to enroll in parenting classes to help them remain cordial as they raise their child following their split. The Nikki & Brie Show co-host and Chigvintsev both had restraining orders against each other, which were dropped in November 2024. Nikki was granted a restraining order last year against Chigvintsev after accusing him of physical abuse. She said in legal docs that he had 'tackled [her] multiple times and pinned [her] to the ground while our child was present' during an argument over breakfast. She also claimed that Chigvintsev had become 'increasingly angry, snapping at me and yelling' after not being asked to return to Dancing With The Stars for season 33. Chigvintsev responded to the court that Garcia 'grew increasingly angry' with him on multiple occasions and had played the role of 'aggressor.' The So You Think You Can Dance alum previously broke his silence over his shock DV arrest as he reacted to prosecutors declining to file charges against him over the incident. 'I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,' he said in a statement. 'This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed. My focus has always been and will always be, our son Matteo.' According to his social media, the choreographer has been teaching master classes at local dance studios in Napa Valley. There is no word yet on whether he'll be returning to Dancing With the Stars this fall after he was not asked to return last season, which was a decision reportedly made before his DV arrest. DWTS pro Alan Bersten told in a recent interview that he also is uncertain of Artem's future, and which pros will be back. 'Honestly, I haven't spoken to him in a while. I hope he's doing okay again. I don't know,' Bersten, who's dating his costar Emma Slater, spilled. 'Again, don't know if anyone else is back, so I hope the best for everyone...I haven't been in touch with him.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Dynamic Sauvignon Blanc From Napa Valley
Gamble Ranch, planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, Napa Valley Photo by Olaf Beckmann Cabernet Sauvignon may be the signature grape of Napa Valley, but Sauvignon Blanc - despite representing only six percent of the area's plantings, as compared to 54% for Cabernet Sauvignon - is a regal counterpart. Yes, Chardonnay accounts for more than twice the acreage of Sauvignon Blanc, but over the past decade or so, a few dozen local producers have raised the bar with Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in higher quality and distinctive styles that have resulted in wines that rival the best examples from areas around the world. Why is Napa Valley such an excellent area for Sauvignon Blanc, and how are producers working with this grape to create such memorable offerings? Tom Gamble of Gamble Estates in Oakville, recalls that he, 'fell in love with Sauvignon Blanc, before he fell in love with his wife.' He was not overly thrilled with some of the early examples of Sauvignon Blanc from California, preferring instead the classic offerings from France. 'I was captivated by the varietal style I discovered during trips to Europe in my late teens and early 20s, ' Gamble states. 'The aromatics of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs and subsequently the complexity I found among top-tier white Bordeaux during my travels influenced my early winemaking decisions, and that continues to this day.' Sauvignon Blanc grapes in a vineyard of Gamble Estates, Napa Valley Photo by Frank Gutierrez At the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, director of winemaking Kurtis Ogasawara sources much of the Sauvignon Blanc for the winery from the Oakville District. He explains the reasons for this, saying, 'Oakville's location in Napa Valley, roughly halfway up the valley, makes it a great location for growing Sauvignon Blanc. We get enough heat during the day to achieve full ripeness but also receive the influence of the morning fog which helps maintain freshness in our wines.' Estate vineyard at Spottwoode, St. Helena, Napa Valley. The winery produces one of Napa Valley's most highly praised examples of Sauvignon Blanc. Photo courtesy Spottswoode For Spottswoode Vineyards, farther north in Napa Valley, winemaker Aron Weinkauf crafts a Sauvignon Blanc that is a blend of fruit from both Napa and Sonoma, with a slightly higher percentage from Napa. He notes that initially much of this wine was from Napa, but that some of the growers in the valley started to rip out the vines in favor of the more profitable Cabernet Sauvignon. For Weinkauf, his belief is that the grapes he sources are from 100% organically farmed sites. 'We have spent time looking and working with many different vineyards, and over the years, I have very much focused on vineyards that have great natural vegetative balance.' He adds that he has particular favorite clones that he favors, and prefers to blend in about 10% Semillon, as this grape, 'is important for what we are stylistically seeking.' While many Sauvignon Blanc producers age the wine in stainless steel tanks, more and more these days there are winemakers that prefer to age partly in oak casks as well. 'French oak is an important piece of our winemaking for these wines,' remarks Ogasawara. 'Barrel fermentation and battonage help with creating texture and mouthfeel that balances the natural acidity that is found in Sauvignon Blanc. For our new barrels incorporated in the blend, we select barrels that are respectful to the fruit and add complexity. Our goal with barrels is not to cover the fruit but help push more intensity and add texture to the wine.' Tom Gamble, one of Napa Valley's leading producers of Sauvignon Blanc Photo courtesy Gamble Estates For Gamble, 'it was a 'very thoughtful decision because white wines can be overcooked and become flabby very quickly in our warm California climate. On the other hand, stainless steel allows no oxygen interaction with the wine, so you can get a really lean, austere wine because the vessel doesn't have the subtle micro-oxygenation that happens in the barrel. We wanted to have a more approachable mouthfeel without the consequences of over-oaking, so we've been strategic about how to approach that. 'After years of experimenting, we've found how to make a beautiful, complex, age-worthy Sauvignon Blanc in oak by being meticulous about using only the finest, tightly grained French oak barrels. We use a combo of cigar barrels (a Dagueneau invention, note that Dagueneau is a famed producer of Sauvignon Blanc-based wines in France, ed.) and barriques, with only 30% new French oak.' So after all is said and done, what is the future of Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley? Gamble addresses this issue; 'I think there is more interest in high-quality Sauvignon Blanc than there used to be, but it remains a small fraction of Napa Valley's overall plantings. I think it's likely to remain a niche for us, simply because it's a less popular variety here than others like Cabernet Sauvignon. With that said, we will continue to cultivate and experiment with Sauvignon Blanc and would love to see its presence expand.' Notes on recommended new releases of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (aka Fumé Blanc with certain releases from Robert Mondavi): Exterior of Inglenook, Rutherford, where one of Napa Valley's most stylish examples of Sauvignon Blanc is produced. Chad Keig Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Napa Valley, Los Carneros) A blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Semillon. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Bright, light yellow; aromas of freshly cut grass, melon and a hint of basil. Medium-bodied with good acidity, this is clean and nicely balanced and has good varietal character. Straightforward, and a bit simple, this is quite drinkable and should be enjoyed fresh over the next two to three years. (88) $28 Sauvignon Blanc 'Méthode Béton 2023 (Napa Valley, Los Carneros) The word 'béton' in French means 'concrete,' describing this wine being aged in concrete eggs. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the estate in Carneros. Bright, medium-deep yellow; aromas of Bosc pear, red apple, citrus peel and elderflowers. Medium-full, this displays excellent varietal character, very good acidity, and a delicate mineral-driven finish that is very satisfying. Beautifully evocative, this would pair beautifully with shrimp or lighter shellfish. Enjoy over the next three to five years. (91) $50 Cliff Lede (Yountville) Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Napa Valley) A blend of 77% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Semillon; fermented in French oak barrels (86%) and stainless-steel tanks (14%). Bright, medium deep yellow; aromas of Bosc pear, spearmint and hints of basil and apricot. Medium-full, this combines beautiful ripeness and varietal purity with subtle wood notes and a lengthy, elegant finish with delicate notes of white spice. Nicely textured, this is a lovely wine! Enjoy over the next four to six years. (93) Pine Ridge (Stags Leap District, Napa Valley) Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley) 100% Sauvignon Blanc; about two-thirds of the fruit comes from Ryan's Vineyard near San Pablo Bay. Bright, medium deep yellow; aromas of freshly cut hay, a hint of pineapple and musk melon. Medium-bodied, with vibrant, lip-smacking acidity, this is a highly appealing Sauvignon Blanc that is fresh and lively, offering excellent varietal purity and inviting ripeness. Well-done! Enjoy tonight or over the next two to four years with foods ranging from grilled swordfish to Oriental chicken or sautéed bay scallops. (93) $45 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc North Coast 2023 A blend of 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Semillon; the grapes are from the North Coast appellation of California, including Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Lake County and Mendocino County. Bright, medium yellow; delicate aromas of hay and spearmint. There is tangy acidity and nice harmony, but overall, the wine is rather simple, as it lacks complexity. I miss the classic Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc from Duckhorn, which offered greater complexity and texture. Drink over the next two to three years. (88) Silverado Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Miller Ranch 2023 (Yountville, Napa Valley, Estate Grown) Bright, medium deep yellow; aromas of basil, chervil, melon and freshly cut grass. Medium-full, with impressive ripeness and depth of fruit. There are beautiful, classic Sauvignon Blanc flavors, along with very good acidity and notable persistence; the finish displays appealing notes of ginger and tarragon. Expressive and very well made, enjoy now and over the next four to six years. (93) Brandlin Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Mount Veeder, Napa Valley) 100% Sauvignon Blanc; aged for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Bright, light yellow; aromas of vanilla, tarragon and pear. Medium-full, this is ripe and well-structured; there is good acidity and notable persistence, as well as very good varietal character. I'd prefer a little less oak influence, but otherwise, this is a well-made wine; enjoy over the next two to four years. (91) Malk Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Napa Valley) Fermented with wild yeast, barrel aged for nine months. Bright, medium deep yellow; aromas of freshly cut grass, basil, yellow flowers and a hint of mint. Medium-bodied with an elegant entry on the palate, very good persistence and tangy acidity. The finish is quite complex, with notes of tarragon and chervil. Given its herbal character, this demands strongly flavored seafood preparations, such as roast sea scallops or grilled swordfish. Enjoy over the next two to three years. (92) Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Napa County 52%, Sonoma County 48%) A blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Semillon; vinified in a combination of stainless steel, French oak barrels, amphora and ceramic cuves. Bright, medium deep yellow; striking aromas of basil, hay bale, pear and delicate hints of lime and dill. Medium-full, with excellent depth of fruit, a rich mid-palate, significant persistence, very good acidity, notable varietal purity and outstanding harmony and complexity; this is a stellar offering if Sauvignon Blanc where the wood notes remain in the background, while adding texture. Enjoy now or over the next six to eight years; grilled swordfish or halibut would be an ideal match. (95) Lail Vineyards (Angwin) Sauvignon Blanc 'Georgia' 2023 100% Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from Yountville; fermented and aged for 20 months in 60% new French oak. Bright, medium deep yellow; expressive aromas of chervil, grapefruit, papaya and hints of acacia flowers and honey. Medium-full, with excellent concentration, this is a beautifully textured Sauvignon Blanc, with lively acidity, well-integrated wood notes and notable persistence; the finish offers notes of citrus peel and lime. Produced more in the style of a white Bordeaux than a Loire white, this is a Sauvignon Blanc lovers' Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy over the next three to six years. (94) Kelleher (St. Helena) Sauvignon Blanc 'Block 21' 2023 (Napa Valley) 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from hills in eastern Napa Valley. Bright, delicate yellow; appealing varietal aromas of pear, freshly cut grass, grapefruit and sunflowers. Medium-bodied, this has beautifully freshness, very good acidity and impressive persistence. Offering notable varietal character and alluring charm, this is a delightful young Sauvignon Blanc to be enjoyed now and over the next four to six years. (92) Double Diamond (Rutherford) Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Napa Valley) Vinted and bottled by Schrader Cellars. A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon; the grapes are sourced from To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, as well as the Wappo Hill vineyard in the Stags Leap District. Fermented in oak barrel (73%) and tank (23%); aged in steel (84%) and oak (16%). Medium-deep yellow; aromas of pear, a hint of coriander and hay bale. Medium-full to full-bodied (14.5% alcohol), this is a richly textured Sauvignon Blanc with excellent ripeness, significant persistence and very good acidity. The wood notes are restrained, there is excellent complexity, and the finish displays notes of basil and yellow pear. Very impressive, this has enough concentration to pair with roast pork or spaghetti carbonara. Enjoy over the next five to seven years. (94) Stewart Cellars (Oakville) Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Oakville, Napa Valley) 100% Sauvignon Blanc from a vineyard in Oakville. Bright, delicate yellow; very pretty aromas of tangerine, lime, melon and orange zest. Medium-bodied, with excellent freshness, very good acidity and harmony. This is a Sauvignon Blanc that focuses on fruit rather than herbal qualities. Enjoy over the next two to four years. (91) Beaulieu Vineyard (Rutherford) Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Napa Valley) 100% Sauvignon Blanc; aged for five months in new French oak. Bright, delicate yellow; aromas of freshly cut grass, melon and hints of grapefruit and basil. Medium-bodied, there is good acidity and freshness, along with very fine varietal purity. Overall, the wine is well-balanced, clean and made in a subdued manner that would not overwhelm food pairings such as sautéed scallops or shrimp. Enjoy over the next two to four years. (90) Robert Mondavi Winery (Oakville, Napa Valley) Fumé Blanc The Estates 2022 (Oakville, Napa Valley) Just about every producer in Napa Valley owes a great deal of debt to Robert Mondavi, especially regarding Sauvignon Blanc. When Mondavi produced his initial releases from his now-iconic winery in Oakville on Highway 29 in Napa Valley, he labeled his Sauvignon Blanc as Fumé Blanc, a nod to Pouilly-Fumé and other famous Sauvignon Blanc-based wines from France's Loire Valley. Today, the winery labels some of their wines from this varietal as Sauvignon Blanc, while continuing the use of the term Fumé Blanc for their finest examples. A blend of 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Semillon, all from Oakville vineyards. Bright, medium-deep yellow; enticing aromas of mango, Anjou pear, orange rose and a hint of pine. Medium-full, with excellent ripeness. There is noteworthy texture along with outstanding varietal purity. There is excellent persistence, very good acidity and significant length in the finish, which offers delicate notes of grapefruit, melon and a hint of basil. Wonderful complexity, this is very well made and is quite stylish. Enjoy with Oriental cuisine (sweet and sour pork would be ideal) over the next five to seven years. (93) Gamble Estates (Oakville, Napa Valley) Sauvignon Blanc Yountville 2024 (Yountville, Napa Valley) 100% Sauvignon Blanc from two clones, including Musqué, which brings beautiful aromatics. Barrel aged on the lees for six months; 15% new oak. Bright, delicate yellow; with a touch of CO2, which is normal for such a young wine. Aromas of freshly cut grass, Bosc pear, lilacs and a hint of passion fruit. Medium-full, this offers superb complexity and excellent varietal purity in a restrained, understated fashion; there is a wonderful cleanliness to the wine. There is zesty acidity, notable persistence and excellent overall harmony. The finish is lengthy and pure, with subtle notes of basil and spearmint. This is so appealing now, but I can't wait to try it again over the next several months and years, as it reveals great complexities. Peak in six to eight years. Lovely food wine, especially with sautéed scallops, Oriental pork or delicately spiced Thai chicken. (95) Gamble Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Bright, medium deep yellow, lovely aromas of basil, orange zest, golden poppy and a hint of spearmint. Medium full with ideal ripeness, good acidity, excellent persistence, and lovely varietal purity. Offering beautiful typicity and harmony, this is seamless, and displays a sensual refinement in its presence. Enjoy over the next five to seven years. (94) Acumen (Napa) Sauvignon Blanc 'Peak' 2023 (Atlas Peak, Napa Valley) 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the winery's estate Attelas vineyard on Atlas Peak. Bright, medium yellow; aromas of honeydew melon, freshy cut hay, dried yellow flowers and a hint of basil. Quite rich in the palate, this displays excellent varietal character, and has very good acidity and notable persistence; the finish has notes of passionfruit and mint; the wood notes add texture but remain in the background. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. (93) Inglenook (Rutherford) Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Rutherford, Napa Valley) A blend of 76% Sauvignon Blanc, 24% Semillon; aged in stainless steel tanks (40%) and 60% French oak, of which 21% is new; eight months of aging sur lie. Bright, medium yellow; lovely aromatics of melon, spearmint, lime and elderflowers. Medium-full, there is notable ripeness, very good acidity, excellent persistence and a light flintiness in the finish. There is outstanding typicity and beautiful texture as well as superb harmony and freshness. Pair this with any number of dishes, ranging from sautéed scallops and grilled shrimp to ceviche, and enjoy over the next three to six years. (94)
