2019 O'Shaughnessy Children's Garden Sauvignon Blanc

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery was founded in 1990 by Betty O’Shaughnessy Woolls, a former Minneapolis real estate developer. She and her husband Paul Woolls remain the owners and operators of the St. Helena winery, which owns 100 acres on Howell Mountain and also has vineyards in Mount Veeder. Sean Capiaux is president and winemaker. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Wine Advocate has often rated the estate’s Cabs in the mid-90s. Antonio Galloni of Wine Advocate rated the 2009 Mt. Veeder Cab at 95 pts and called it “impeccable from start to finish.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

This crisp, dry white wine hails from France but is grown in wine regions around the world. In California, it is sometimes called Fume Blanc; while in Sauternes, it is a component of their famous dessert wines.