In March 2014 I wrote that Napa Valley’s Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc had returned to top billing on my summer wine list with release of their 2013 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc.  Yesterday I had the good fortune to return to Round Pond for a tasting of excellent wines paired with a selection of light appetizers (reserved as an “Estate Tasting”).

Under the care of Round Pond’s Christina Blandon (CS), our group sampled a full range of white and red wines as I focused my attention on the 2014 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc and 2013 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.  In my March 2014 comments I noted that the 2013 Rutherford had returned to the level of quality of their 2010 vintage, which I considered the best Sauvignon Blanc in the Valley at the time.  It appears they’ve followed up with an excellent 2014 Rutherford that meets those same standards.

Round Pond’s Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc ($24) is completely steel tank fermented and I find it light, crisp and refreshing – my top summer afternoon sipping wine for enjoying in 2015.  The Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($42) is fermented in both steel tanks and French oak and is refreshing while also providing layers of more complex fruits.  Wine Adventurers who like a taste of oak will certainly want to try the 2014 Reserve.

As word gets out about the quality of these releases, expect them to sell out fast.  Make reservations for a tasting before they do.

Round Pond Estate

www.roundpond.com

875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573

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Disclosure: The author is a member of this winery’s wine club.  Wines and other products or services described in this article were provided by the winery pursuant to benefits available to all club members. No free samples or other inducements were provided to the author in return for this review.