2024 Burning Daylight Sauvignon Blanc
2024 BURNING DAYLIGHT SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sauvignon Blanc grows exceptionally well at Bell Mountain where we use two distinct rootstocks and clones to create variety and flavor in our wines. This wine is always a space for creativity, where we explore different yeast strains, pressing techniques, and barrel formats for each vintage. In 2024, we picked the vineyard at varying levels of ripeness to showcase the full spectrum and potential of Sauvignon Blanc at Bell Mountain Ranch. 80% of the fruit was macerated on skins overnight to build aromatic complexity and texture, delivering a lush mouthfeel with structure and an abundance of aroma and flavor, along with the classic Sauvignon Blanc juiciness we love. The remaining 20% were direct-to-press and whole cluster pressed to preserve freshness and minerality, complementing the riper, more expressive fruit. We periodically stirred the lees in barrel from the end of harvest thorough the early stages of aging to further enhance mouthfeel and bring added richness and lusciousness to the wine.
On the nose this wine bursts with tropical notes of pineapple, lychee, honeydew, lemon zest, summer peaches, tangerine, and mango. The palate is silky and luscious, with a soft yet powerful acidity and layers of white peach, lemon custard, and lemon blossom. The finish is rich, round, and refreshing. Enjoy alongside seafood-forward dishes like grilled shrimp or whole branzino with fennel salad.
Vintage
The 2024 season started with ample rainfall and was marked by a cool spring that allowed vines to progress at a nice pace, with steady and healthy canopy growth. By August, the region enjoyed long, warm days and cool nights, creating optimal conditions for ripening while helping to retain acidity in the grapes, contributing to bright, balanced flavors. As harvest neared its end, later ripening blocks faced intense heat for several weeks, which accelerated ripening and quickly wrapped up the season. While the heat increased ripeness in these later blocks, it didn’t compromise the overall quality. This year’s harvest returned to a more typical schedule compared to 2023, resulting in an exceptional vintage with excellent depth and flavor. Despite the late-season heat, the season’s unique conditions set the stage for wines with great character and long-term potential.