Arnot-Roberts Santa Cruz Mountains Ascona Sauvignon Blanc 2023

The Ascona Vineyard lies high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, lying well above the fog line at an elevation of 760m. Located just 24km from the Pacific Ocean, the competing influences of abundant sunshine and cool ocean breezes make this a Sauvignon Blanc of unsurpassed complexity and intrigue. Elegant on the palate and loaded with minerality, expect exotic notes of mango and papaya alongside a lemon fruit core and touches of thyme. 

94/100 - The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Ascona Vineyard is powerful, deep and super-expressive. A wine of phenolic intensity and serious complexity, the Ascona is wonderfully distinctive. Dried citrus peel, sage, mint, dried flowers and chamomile are some of the many notes that build in this Santa Cruz Mountains Sauvignon Blanc. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

92/100 - The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Ascona Vineyard comes from vines planted in 2000 at 2,500 feet in elevation in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Grapes were harvested on October 8, and the wine was matured for 10 months in used French oak. It has open-knit aromas of peaches, guava, lemongrass, honey and candle smoke. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with ripe, tropical flavors and compelling flinty undertones. It’s balanced by tangy acidity, and its textural grip extends the finish. Treat it like a Bordeaux Blanc and enjoy it over the next 5-7 years. - Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate