We were thrilled to see this fresh, exciting white with mouth-watering acidity and notes of yellow nectarine and pineapple. For all its verve, there’s a rounded texture suggesting a seriousness underlying the surface hedonistic delight of this wine. This delicious bottle is 85% Sémillon from Carneros and 15% old vine Chenin Blanc from Pope Valley. Fermentation on natural yeast in neutral French oak provides depth and roundness. Rich enough to hold up to food, but crisp enough to land poolside, this versatile wine is a new favorite.

About Sylvie Estate:
One of the most exciting projects in the valley has been quietly making its mark since its debut vintage in 2015. In 1989, Henry and Christina Lopez purchased a small plot of land in the eastern hills of Oakville, tucked into the Vaca Mountain Range. They planted 0.7 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and received official organic certification in 2013, just before launching Sylvie Estate—named for Christina’s mother. Their prestigious neighbors include Dalla Valle, Rudd Estate, and Joseph Phelps’ Backus Vineyard. Like many of them, the soil here is iron-rich, orange red in color, and strewn with an abundance of rocks.

Today, the estate produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon along with its newly released Sémillon, crafted by Sally Johnson-Blum, who was the winemaker at Pride Vineyards for 15 years. Before Sally took the helm, the wines were made by Kurt Niznik, whose previous experience includes Continuum Estate and Caldwell Winery. From the beginning, these wines have been defined by their impeccable balance and reverence for classically styled expressions.