ASHE 11 SB ENTRE NOUS
This is a gorgeous property located right off Highway 29 in Oakville. Its vineyard architect is Dave Abreu, it's managed by Jim Barbour, and the wine is made by Philippe Melka (Lail, Gemstone, Dana). Here's the skinny on this property; over the winter and sping of 2010, we came across Kristine Ashe at several trade tastings. Everytime we sampled her wines, they were at the top of our lists. Heck, at the Oakville tasting, we felt her Cabernet was as good as many of the TRUE cult wines! If that's not an endorsement, then don't bother reading any further!The Sauvignon Blanc is grown on a shady knoll by the edge of the Napa River. The cooler microclimate of this three-acre block protects the grapes’ fresh acidity while allowing them to ripen to their full potential. After a night harvest, Philippe ferments the grapes in concrete eggs, which ensures optimal heat distribution during fermentation and enhances the natural minerality of the fruit. The resulting wine has delicate aromas of white flowers and peach combine into an alluring nose with hints of guava and tropical fruits, while the palate delivers fresh minerality punctuated by ripe ruby-red grapefruit and pineapple. The deceptively delicate texture unfolds into a creamy, medium body with nuances of melon, citrus and vanilla lingering in the crisp finish.
