2022 Patent Wines - Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley (750ml)

Patent Wines was founded in 2020 by Tom Rinaldi and Eric Risch, two veteran Napa Valley winemakers who set out to create small, site-specific bottlings after decades in the industry. Rinaldi served as founding winemaker at Duckhorn from 1978 to 2000 and later helped establish Pellet Estate, Provenance, and Hewitt, while Risch built his career on the business side of winery development. Together they apply Bordeaux-influenced techniques honed over dozens of harvests, producing limited quantities of wine by hand rather than at scale.

This Sauvignon Blanc comes from Miller Ranch, an old vineyard on the flat valley floor just south of Yountville on Napa's west side. The site sits fully exposed to the sun with no hillside shade, and a scattering of Muscat vines planted among the rows adds an unusual layer of aromatic complexity to the fruit. A portion of the wine is aged in new French oak, used sparingly enough that its presence stays in the background rather than shaping the wine's character.

Aromas of lime zest, grapefruit, and passionfruit lead into a palate of green apple, honeydew, and lemongrass. Crisp acidity and a subtle mineral edge keep the wine lively through a clean, refreshing finish. Its bright, zesty character makes it a natural partner for fresh oysters, ceviche, or a spicy Thai noodle dish.