As this is the first time to release these two wines together, I feel it is the perfect time to tell you about the wild evening Leslie discovered our Mt. Veeder property—it will explain a lot about us!
It was a very cold and rainy January 2nd, and the only reason I remember the exact date is that it also happens to be my birthday. Leslie and an old friend of ours, along with our Bernese mountain dog Tess, were out exploring the backroads of the Napa Valley as Leslie often did. At the time he was obsessed with finding an estate where he could plant white wine varietals—many people shut their doors on him as they felt it was a waste to spend time and energy on white wines. However, Leslie was no stranger to a challenge and felt California white wines had the potential to be the same quality (or better) as any white Bordeaux or Burgundy. He was also more sentimental than he ever let on, and wanted to make a wine for me, as he knew how I loved white wines.
He first drove onto a very private estate off Oakville Grade, said he was with Fedex, and was buzzed right in. The owner of the property at the time was shocked to see a strange man in a Suburban driving around his property, but thankfully he had a good sense of humor and they ended up having a wonderful time together. Leslie thought it was a good idea to drive to the top of Mt. Veeder before heading back home for a birthday dinner with Samantha and me.
It must have been 6 pm by this point, and as I said it had been raining nonstop. Leslie found an open gate near the summit of Mt. Veeder at 1700 feet elevation, turned in, and drove the Suburban up a windy dirt road. Due to the heavy rain, the side of the road gave way, and he rolled his car all the way down the hill until finally hitting a tree. At which point he climbs out of the car along with his friend, gets our dog, and calls me. He tells me that he was in a minor accident and I would need to come get him. So, I loaded Samantha into the car, and we started the drive up Mt. Veeder to where we think he described. Anyone who knew Leslie would not be surprised that he had given us no address. Since it was still pouring rain at this point and it was dark, we were a bit concerned we wouldn’t be able to find them as the cell service was not great. Finally, we see him, his friend, and our dog walking down the mountain disheveled. Leslie had a big cut on his forehead and his friend had broken a few ribs. He opened the door and said, “Honey, I think I found the perfect piece of land to make the white wine I have been dreaming about. Happy Birthday!”
While I may have been fuming in the moment, I do have to say that I think his dream came true. This wine is very dreamy and now thanks to Samantha, Leslie’s namesake wine is grown right next to mine atop our mountain Estate — a place he fell in love with that cold and rainy day.
Sincerely,
Susan Rudd
2019 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Susan’s Blanc
The 2019 season started out with an abundance of rain which continued through the month of February, giving the vines a long dormancy to prepare for the upcoming vintage. Even though the winter was cold, budbreak lagged only slightly, and a warm April propelled the shoot growth to take off at high speeds. An out of character rain event in May led to full and healthy canopies. While Mother Nature has taught us never to expect two abundant vintages in a row, 2019 was very much on par with the 2018 season in terms of a healthy fruit set. Warm summer months with a few heat spikes at the beginning of harvest were mitigated with the running of misters, shade cloth, and healthy canopies. Semillon and Sauvignon Gris began coming into the winery on September 17th in two separate picks.
The 2019 proved to be a spectacular vintage— one so unique we were able to put together the best Semillon and Sauvignon Gris lots to craft the Susan’s Blanc. All the elements must come together perfectly to create this unique wine, starting with its brilliant pale color paired with bright and fresh aromatics of melon and wet stone. As the wine sits in the glass, the aromas evolve into sweet-smelling white blossoms and a touch of crisp fresh linen. Upon first taste, intense mid-palate flavors of cantaloupe and tart stone fruit spark the palate as one is expecting the same delicate poise that the aromatics suggest. These fruit notes and the perception of salty mineral complexity are followed by the always present honey-like character that Semillon provides in the highest quality vintages. A touch of new oak brings structure and a Crème Brûlée charred sweetness to the finish, adding another dimension of depth and intrigue, but also lending to the ageability of this unique white wine.
2017 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie’s Blend
The 2017 vintage will stand out when comparing Napa Valley vintages for years to come. The vintage began with much needed heavy rains, which contributed to a more normal April budbreak for the Mt. Veeder Estate than the previous two vintages. The completion of bloom before a brief hailstorm in June left a great quality crop to tend. Moderate summer weather contributed to a small difference in veraison, finishing seven days later compared to the 2016 vintage. The picking season began in mid-September with Merlot, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, ending the first week of October.
One can get lost in the dark, purple color and intense mountain aromatics present in the 2017 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie’s Blend. The second vintage of this wine opens enthusiastically with dried cherries, black currants, and a familiar Herbs de Provence warmth. This wine is lush, persistent, and powerful in every way. The aromatic fruit notes of cassis and black cherry become more serious on the palate, with a resin-like freshness that is always present from our Mt. Veeder Estate. Texturally bold, the tannins are tight and balanced, extending the length beyond what is expected in such a young, structured wine. Sweet cocoa and baking spices bring a completeness to the final lingering taste. This wine can be enjoyed for years to come and will continue to age gracefully over the next 10-15 years.