Those of us of a certain age remember the wonderful Napa Valley Sauv Blancs of yore—Cakebread, Whitehall Lane, Spottswoode, Honig and Duckhorn are just some that come immediately to mind. These beautiful, exciting wines all manage to balance the variety’s native pungency with copious fruit flavors and, often, just a touch of oak to add texture and roundness to the palate.

A few vintages ago, though, we discovered a relatively new interloper that found its way onto our shelves, a Sauvignon that positively shimmers with bright enticing aromatics, lovely jasmine tea-infused fruit and the kind of finish that demands you go back for another sip. And it’s priced right too!

Winemaker Jean Hoefliger, already a blossoming superstar with a reputation for making elegant, much-acclaimed reds, clearly has a way with SB too. Perfect for anytime sipping, it’s delicious on its own, though we think a warm goat cheese and fresh herb salad would make for the perfect pairing. But how about a classic sole meunière? Swoon-worthy, for sure! It was a great surprise to discover AXR, a Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc that hits all the high notes at a price we think that’s as refreshing as the fruit.

The 2024 vintage has just arrived, so get it while it’s coooool! The best deal in Sauvignon in the store with two straight appearances on PRIMA’s ‘Wines of the Year’ list. Will this 2024 be on our list this year?