This has been one of our favorite Sauvignon Blancs since their first vintage of 2014. It is medium bodied with purity and precision. And that makes sense because winemaker Françoise Peschon was renowned for producing exceptional Whites during her tenure at Araujo, which was Bart and Daphne Araujo’s previous winery before launching Accendo in 2013. Last year, Jaime Araujo and Greg Araujo became partners of their parents winery. This 2022 Napa Valley White offers crisp acidity, salinity, and mineral notes alongside flavors or lemon zest and a good depth on the palate. Since their launch, Françoise continues to blend the Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon and Sauvignon Musque, which only enhances this textural, delicious White. 543 cases produced.

The 2022 growing season began with dry conditions during the first three months of the year, which promoted an early bud break in March and vines flowering in April. No concerning heat spikes allowed for early and even ripening throughout the summer with veraison appearing in mid-July. Warm days and cool nights led to another early harvest, which thankfully beat the Labor Day heat wave experienced in Northern California. The lack of rainfall resulted in reduced yields, however the fruit that was harvested possessed great acidity and freshness, two markers for fruit that the Araujo team believes contribute to a balanced wine.