2004 Semillon, Casa Santinamaria
Vineyard
The fruit for this wine is from vines planted about 75 years ago to our family's Casa Santinamaria Vineyard in the town of Sonoma. This vineyard, which was planted at the end of the 19th century, remains as one of only a handful of "field blended" vineyards - those planted to a mix of complementary varietals. This tradition, brought to California by early Italian immigrants, is a vanishing phenomenon, which we are intent on keeping alive.
Our 2004 Semillon is a classic white field blend of
- 75% Semillon
- 23%Muscadelle du Bordelaise
- 2% Sauvignon Blanc
The vineyard is head pruned and dry farmed with a yield of less than a ton per acre. For many years this fruit has been sold to a winery in Napa Valley for their reserve Sauvignon Blanc program. In 2001 we decided it was time to keep the fruit for Saxon Brown.
Winemaking
The fruit was picked with optimum care in small bins and in the cool of the day. It was whole fruit pressed and cold settled. The juice was racked and yeasted the next day. It was then cold tank fermented for 51 days at 52 to 55F. After fermentation was complete, the wine was kept on the yeast for an additional three months. This was all done to retain the wonderful characteristics of these grapes.
Tasting Notes
For many years I have wanted to make a wine in this style, a wine that is refreshing and fun that would be great with seafood on a warm day. This wine has a wonderful fig, floral and tropical character with a great “alive” finish. NO OAK .
Case Production : 250
Retail Price: $20/ Bottle
S.F. Chronicle — TOP 100 WINES, 2004