The Season
Textbook conditions saw near-ideal spring bud break, steady flowering, even fruit set, and a lengthy stretch of warm days and cool and often foggy nights during the long summer months. Late and light rains held off until grapes found optimal ripeness, bringing exceptional quality with a smooth balance of acids and sugars. This vintage, while as much as 30% higher than the past two years' smaller crops, is on par with near-normal quantity.

The Vineyard
Miller Ranch, Yountville (99%)
 - Located west of the Napa River and south of Yountville is the Miller Ranch Yountville Vineyard, noted for its Semillon and its fruity, spicy Sauvignon Blanc. Here the soils are silty, cool and deep, perfect for aromatic white wines. Open to the south, the vineyard enjoys the benefit of breeze and fog off the bay.

Soda Creek Vineyard (1%) - Three miles up a narrow winding road from the famous Soda Canyon store, Silverado’s Soda Creek Vineyard produces rich and spicy Sangiovese from the steep and cobbly soil. Silverado also grows an old-clone Zinfandel on this property.

The Process
Grapes were harvested at an average sugar of 22◦ Brix. The juice was inoculated with three distinct yeast strains that help release aromas specific to Sauvignon Blanc. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. To highlight the wine’s intense aromatics the wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation. The Semillon was blended to enhance the mouthfeel and balance acidity.

The Experience
Ripe grapefruit and melon, with grass aromas. Light and bright on the palate, flavors are crisp, citrusy with mineral notes.

The Facts
Varietal Composition: 99% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Semillon
Appellation: Yountville, California
Barrel Aging: Stainless Steel
Harvest Date: August 30 to September 18, 2012
Bottling Date: March 2013
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.26

Ron and Diane started their journey into wine in 1975 while Diane and her mother was on a day trip to Napa from Los Angeles.  Napa wine was increasingly building a name for itself in the world of wine, and the Miller family was intrigued by the opportunity it could bring.  So in 1976, the Miller family purchased Miller Ranch, an 81-acre vineyard with Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer vines in Yountville.  In 1978, the Miller family purchased their 2^nd investment, Silverado Vineyard, a 93-acre vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Stags Leap.
 
The Miller family initially planned to only growing grapes, but eventually, they decided to build a winery.  In 1980, the Miller family’s winery architect was approached by Jack Stuart, a young up-and-coming winemaker looking for a job and soon became Miller family’s founding winemaker.  Under the leadership of Jack Stuart, Silverado Vineyards released their inaugural vintage, a 1981 Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in 1983.  The following year, in 1984, Silverado Vineyards released their first Cabernet Sauvignon, and in 1986 their first release of Merlot, a 1983 vintage.
 
Silverado Vineyards took front stage in 1987 at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London, all four of Silverado Vineyards' entries took home gold medals, Jack Stuart was named IWSC Winemaker of the Year, and Silverado Vineyards was named American Winery of the Year in the Grand National Competition.
 
The Miller family continued to acquire vineyards throughout the years: 29-acre Firetree Vineyard in Carneros (1988), 110-acre Mt. George Vineyard in the hillside of Napa Valley (1989), 17-acre near Soda Creek Canyon (1992),  and 30-acre Vineburg Vineyard in Carneros (2000).
 
Jack Stuart retired in 2004 and Jon Emmerich was ushered into the position of lead winemaker.  Today, under the leadership of Jon, Silverado Vineyards continues to uphold traditional technique with a twist of modern innovation to produce award-winning wine.

Wine Spectator - 86 pts
"Compact, with tangy, juicy notes of lime, lemon and grapefruit accompanied by herbal undertones and a refreshing finish. Drink now. 17,361 cases made." –MW

The Tasting Panel - 90 pts
"Smooth, lush and silky with citrus fruit and bracing aciditt; juicy, balanced and long; elegant and complex" - Anthony Dias Blue

Aging Potential:	Ready to Drink
Alcohol By Volume:	13.5%
Appellation:	Napa, California
Barrel Type:	Stainless Steel
Body:	Light
Color:	Pale Yellow
Flavor Pairing:	Herb Roast
Food Pairing:	Fish
On the Nose:	Honeydew, Citrus
On the Palate:	Honeydew, Grass, Grapefruit
Serving Recommendation:	Slightly Chilled
Texture:	Crisp
Varietal:	Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc