MASON CELLARS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Brilliant pale straw with luminous silver-green highlights and exceptional clarity.
Nose: Vibrant and expressive aromatics featuring bright citrus (grapefruit, Meyer lemon), tropical notes (passion fruit, guava), and fresh herbs (lemongrass, basil). Secondary aromas reveal white peach, honeysuckle, and a subtle flinty minerality that adds complexity and sophistication.
Palate: Crisp and refreshing with electric acidity balanced by a subtle roundness. The entry presents zesty citrus notes (pink grapefruit, lime zest) complemented by tropical fruit character (pineapple, lychee) and green apple crispness. The mid-palate reveals a well-crafted balance between fruit expression and classic Sauvignon Blanc herbaceousness (fresh-cut grass, Thai basil) with a touch of white pepper. Mouthfeel shows moderate weight with a silky texture that adds dimension without heaviness.
Finish: Clean and persistent with lingering citrus notes, a refreshing mineral quality, and mouthwatering acidity that gradually fades, leaving a crisp, satisfying impression that invites another sip.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Producer: Mason Cellars
Region: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Fermentation: Stainless steel at cool temperatures
Aging: 4 months on fine lees in stainless steel
Production: Approximately 12,000 cases
Closure: Screw cap
VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES
The 2022 Mason Cellars Sauvignon Blanc sources fruit primarily from select vineyards in Napa Valley, with a focus on cooler sites that preserve the variety's natural acidity and aromatic intensity. The diversity of vineyard locations—from the southern valley floor to the northern reaches—contributes to the wine's complexity and balance.
The 2022 growing season in Napa Valley featured moderate temperatures throughout the summer with few heat spikes, creating ideal conditions for maintaining the delicate aromas and flavors of Sauvignon Blanc. A cool late summer and early fall extended the growing season, allowing for optimal development of flavor complexity without excessive sugar accumulation.
Harvested in the cool early morning hours to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity, the fruit was gently whole-cluster pressed to minimize extraction of phenolics. Fermentation proceeded in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures (50-55°F) to enhance aromatic expression and capture the variety's vibrant fruit character. Following fermentation, the wine remained on its fine lees for approximately 4 months with periodic gentle stirring to develop textural complexity while maintaining freshness and varietal purity.
Mason's approach to Sauvignon Blanc emphasizes capturing the variety's inherent vibrancy while achieving a balance that showcases Napa Valley's unique expression of this internationally beloved grape.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
- Fresh oysters with mignonette sauce
- Citrus-marinated ceviche
- Goat cheese salad with fresh herbs
- Grilled prawns with garlic and herbs
- Thai-inspired dishes with lemongrass and basil
- Light pasta with spring vegetables
- Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc
- Fresh asparagus with lemon vinaigrette
ABOUT MASON CELLARS
Founded in 1993 by Randy and Megan Mason, Mason Cellars has established itself as a specialist in Sauvignon Blanc, with a focus on creating wines that showcase this versatile variety's unique expression in Napa Valley terroir.
Randy Mason is often credited as one of Napa Valley's pioneers for Sauvignon Blanc, having worked with the variety since the 1970s. His early work at Napa stalwarts like Chappellet helped establish the potential for the grape in the region, and Mason Cellars represents the culmination of his decades of experience with this sometimes overlooked variety.
The winery's philosophy emphasizes purity of fruit expression, balance, and accessibility without sacrificing complexity. While Mason produces other varieties, their reputation is firmly anchored in their consistent, high-quality Sauvignon Blanc program, which showcases a distinctively Californian expression that bridges the gap between the herbaceous style of New Zealand and the more restrained approach of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
In addition to their flagship Napa Valley bottling, Mason produces a second label called "Pomelo" that has developed a strong following for its value-oriented approach to California Sauvignon Blanc.
INTERESTING INSIGHTS ABOUT THE WINE
- Randy Mason is considered one of Napa Valley's Sauvignon Blanc specialists, having worked extensively with the variety since the 1970s when it was far less prominent in the region.
- While many Napa producers focus their attention on Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties, Mason Cellars demonstrates that thoughtfully crafted Sauvignon Blanc can showcase the region's diversity and potential for white wines.
- Mason's approach to Sauvignon Blanc captures the distinctive California expression of the variety—offering more ripe fruit character than Loire Valley versions while maintaining more restraint and balance than many New Zealand interpretations.
- Sauvignon Blanc shows remarkable versatility with food pairings due to its combination of bright acidity, aromatic intensity, and moderate weight, making it one of the most food-friendly white wine options.
- The 2022 vintage represents a return to more moderate conditions in Napa Valley after several challenging years marked by heat waves, drought, and wildfires, allowing for wines with excellent balance and purity.
- Mason Cellars maintains a commitment to sustainable farming practices, working with vineyard partners who emphasize responsible stewardship of the land.
- While many California Sauvignon Blancs see oak treatment or blending with Semillon, Mason maintains a purist approach that emphasizes the variety's inherent character through stainless steel fermentation and aging.
