- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
TASTING NOTES
Rutherford Hill’s 2023 AJT Sauvignon Blanc captures the luminous expression of Napa Valley fruit with precision, purity, and poise. Sourced exclusively from our most cherished estate vineyards, this bottling honors the enduring legacy of Anthony J. Terlato—visionary founder, passionate steward of quality, and guiding force behind Rutherford Hill’s relentless pursuit of excellence. From its inception, the AJT line has represented a deeply personal commitment to terroir and craft, and this Sauvignon Blanc is no exception—radiant, complex, and refreshingly vibrant.
On the nose, the 2023 AJT Sauvignon Blanc delivers an exuberant burst of citrus and orchard fruit. Aromas of Meyer lemon, pink grapefruit, and green apple rise with clarity, accented by subtle undertones of guava and passionfruit from the inclusion of 13% Sauvignon Gris. These tropical nuances lend an exotic edge to the wine’s zesty core. A trace of crushed herbs and white blossoms adds depth and aromatic lift, reminiscent of a spring garden in bloom.
The palate is taut, energetic, and supremely well-balanced. A bracing line of acidity drives through flavors of lime zest, tart green apple, and freshly squeezed grapefruit, carrying remarkable precision and brightness. A delicate richness from six months in new French oak puncheons offers textural complexity, subtly rounding out the mid-palate without impeding the wine’s vibrant character. The oak influence is judicious—whispers of vanilla bean, toasted coconut, and wet stone frame the fruit with elegance and restraint.
What sets the 2023 AJT Sauvignon Blanc apart is its fusion of freshness and sophistication. This is not a simple summer sipper but a finely crafted white wine of substance, style, and staying power. The finish is long, clean, and mineral-driven, evoking crushed seashells and lemon pith—a nod to the vineyard’s well-drained, rocky soils and to Rutherford’s signature precision.
At once expressive and structured, the Rutherford Hill 2023 AJT Sauvignon Blanc is a vivid reminder of the potential of Napa Valley whites when vinified with intention and finesse. Ideal for pairing with fresh oysters, goat cheese crostini, or spring vegetable risotto, it also has the spine and balance to evolve beautifully over the next 3–5 years. A compelling, terroir-driven white that elevates the standard for California Sauvignon Blanc.
Alcohol: 13.8%
On the nose, the 2023 AJT Sauvignon Blanc delivers an exuberant burst of citrus and orchard fruit. Aromas of Meyer lemon, pink grapefruit, and green apple rise with clarity, accented by subtle undertones of guava and passionfruit from the inclusion of 13% Sauvignon Gris. These tropical nuances lend an exotic edge to the wine’s zesty core. A trace of crushed herbs and white blossoms adds depth and aromatic lift, reminiscent of a spring garden in bloom.
The palate is taut, energetic, and supremely well-balanced. A bracing line of acidity drives through flavors of lime zest, tart green apple, and freshly squeezed grapefruit, carrying remarkable precision and brightness. A delicate richness from six months in new French oak puncheons offers textural complexity, subtly rounding out the mid-palate without impeding the wine’s vibrant character. The oak influence is judicious—whispers of vanilla bean, toasted coconut, and wet stone frame the fruit with elegance and restraint.
What sets the 2023 AJT Sauvignon Blanc apart is its fusion of freshness and sophistication. This is not a simple summer sipper but a finely crafted white wine of substance, style, and staying power. The finish is long, clean, and mineral-driven, evoking crushed seashells and lemon pith—a nod to the vineyard’s well-drained, rocky soils and to Rutherford’s signature precision.
At once expressive and structured, the Rutherford Hill 2023 AJT Sauvignon Blanc is a vivid reminder of the potential of Napa Valley whites when vinified with intention and finesse. Ideal for pairing with fresh oysters, goat cheese crostini, or spring vegetable risotto, it also has the spine and balance to evolve beautifully over the next 3–5 years. A compelling, terroir-driven white that elevates the standard for California Sauvignon Blanc.
Alcohol: 13.8%
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
Fresh citrus notes with hints of tropical fruit and green apple. Crisp and refreshing, with bright acidity and flavors of lime, grapefruit, and green apple.