Because a grape like Sauvignon Blanc can be so influenced by its terroir, Joel Gott crafts this complex wine by sourcing fruit from a variety of regions. In 2019, Napa and Sonoma fruit accounted for the body and viscosity in the blend, while Lake County provided the citrus and marine-influenced Monterrey added the tropical aromatics. Vineyards in the Santa Barbara region contributed minerality and structure from the diverse and rocky soils of Santa Ynez and Happy Canyon. The growing season started a bit later in 2019, leading to a later-than-usual harvest of fresh and well-balanced fruit in September. This Sauvignon Blanc is both rich and crisp and will accompany a wide range of salads and casual dishes with chicken, fish or pork.
Joel Gott Wines is based in the Napa Valley but produces Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines from select vineyards throughout California, Oregon and Washington. The philosophy behind the operation is to blend grapes from a wide range of sources in order to provide complex, balanced and flavorful wines at affordable prices.
Growing up in a family that had been in the Napa Valley wine business for several generations, it was natural that Joel Gott would eventually enter the local trade. But he didn’t follow the usual route by, say, attending UC Davis or by inheriting the family business. While in his twenties, Gott and his brother operated the Palisades Food Market in Calistoga, which they turned into a successful purveyor of prepared gourmet foods. During this time Gott noticed growing demand for quality wines with a low price point. In 1996 Joel Gott and his winemaker girlfriend (soon wife) made an Amador County Zinfandel that received rave reviews. Energized by success, they went on to produce California appellation Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. From the start, they realized they could produce more interesting wines by blending grapes from a variety of sources and appellations instead of trying to make single vineyard wines. Rather than build an expensive winery or purchase a vineyard, they have focused on maintaining excellent relations with growers, purchasing grapes at low prices and using custom crush facilities in order to keep the prices of their wines as low as possible.
Today the wines in Gott’s portfolio include California Zinfandel, California 815 Cabernet, California Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey Chardonnay, and Washington Riesling. In 2005 the 815 California Cabernet Sauvignon won a Food & Wine American Wine Award, and in 2007, the California Zinfandel did as well. As the owner of the popular gourmet hamburger stand, Gott’s Roadside, as well as a partner in Three Thieves Wine, Joel Gott is making his mark as a younger generation Napa Valley entrepreneur. At the same time, Joel Gott Wines continues to grow and receive accolades for delivering a great product at a value price point.
Country | USA |
Region | California |
Appellation(s) | California |
Winery | Joel Gott |
Vintage | 2019 |
Color | White |
Varietal(s) | Sauvignon Blanc |
Closure | Screw Cap |
Volume | 375ml |
Bottle Size | 6.0 x 23.5 |
Case Size | 26.0 x 19.5 x 24.0 |
Alcohol | 13.9% |
Product Code | JG19SBx |
UPC | 817625010334 |
92 points –Wine Spectator; #62 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2018 (2017 vintage).
Pale yellow with a greenish hue. Aromas of grapefruit pith, kiwi, and hints of fennel and taragon are followed by a palate of lime citrus and pineapple flavors with gooseberry notes emerging on the finish. Richer and more intense than many Sauvignon Blancs, it finishes fresh, clean and well-balanced.
Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. A small portion was aged sur lie in small stainless steel drums to give the wine added texture and roundness.