The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc actually eclipses what they did in 2007. Terrific fruit (mostly citrus, melon, and fig, with a hint of gun flint and a subtle wood note) is followed by a surprisingly intense, delicious Sauvignon Blanc that totally disguises its 18 months in new French oak barrels. This is a classic Sauvignon that seems to combine the best of Napa viticulture with a French savoir faire. Drink it over the next several years. This is an interesting, still somewhat under-the-radar, small producer with all dry-farmed vineyards and obviously impeccable winemaking.Tel. (707) 253-2000; fax (707) 255-3937

The wood aging is not apparent when tasting the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, although it does possess more texture and depth than most Napa Sauvignons. It offers hints of nectarines, exotic melons, honeysuckle, grapefruit, and orange blossoms in its medium-bodied, delicious, textured, dry personality. Enjoy it over the next several years. Frank Altamura and I agree on the fact that 90% of a wine’s quality comes from the vineyard, and the winemaker accounts for 10% of the finished product. This huge 400-acre ranch in the Wooden Valley, nine miles northeast of Napa, has 65 acres of hillside vineyards. One of the most under-the-radar wineries in all of Napa, Altamura’s Sangiovese makes a mockery of all the mediocre Sangioveses produced in California. Altamura also produces a terrific Sauvignon Blanc that is aged in wood for 8 months.Tel. (707) 253-2000; Fax (707) 255-3937