Larkmead Lillie Sauvignon Blanc

Although they account for less than 10% of Larkmead’s production, the white wines can stand shoulder to shoulder with Napa Valley’s best. As the Merlot is a shape shifter that pretends to be Cabernet Sauvignon, Lillie replicates that same ambiguity – a Sauvignon Blanc that acts as a Chardonnay. The nose may be aromatically in tune with its variety, but the palate possesses the weight and gravitas of a Chardonnay. The result is an incredibly distinctive effort made from a small parcel of grapes that benefits from extended elevage and bottle aging.

Winery: Larkmead Vineyards
Appellation: Napa Valley
Average age of vines: Between 7 and 27 years old
Farming Methods: Sustainable and organic
Maturation: 100% BARREL FERMENTATION, 39% NEW
Soil: Pleasanton loam
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard Orientation: N/A
Vineyard Size: N/A

Wine	Scores	Downloads	Reviews
Larkmead Lillie Sauvignon Blanc 2022	94 Decanter Larkmead’s Lillie Estate Sauvignon Blanc accounts for only a tiny part of their production but sees particular focus from winemaker Avery Heelan and Larkmead’s proprietors. The 2022 vintage of this white is fermented entirely in oak (39% new) and presents intriguing aromas of oyster shell, sea salt, and white flowers, with a hint of oaky richness. The mouthfeel deftly avoids the flabbiness that can plague warmer climate Sauvignon, showing light to medium body with plenty of lime, citrus, yellow apple, and white peach flavours. A nicely salty, stony finish with a bit of crushed Marcona almonds finishes off the palate, solidifying the 2022 as a nicely pleasant and refined expression of this bottling. 16+/20 Jancis Robinson Smells of white flowers and lemon oil. Beautiful floral notes of lemon pith, grapefruit and green apple have a wonderful, electric sizzle thanks to fantastic acidity. Bright, juicy and delicious. 93 Wine Advocate The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Lillie was picked ahead of the Labor Day heat and was barrel fermented in a mix of 300-liter hogsheads and 225-liter barriques. Together with its ripe fig and fresh lime notes, this has a luscious balance of richness and refreshment—medium to full-bodied, lush and creamy textured, then long and clean on the finish. 92 Wine Spectator This succulent white mingles savory overtones with a vibrant core of lemon-lime, yuzu and mango flavors. Details of honeycomb, honeysuckle, spices and ginger linger on the long, expressive finish alongside hints of jasmine, sweetgrass and lemon balm. Drink now. 645 cases made.	Bottle Image Label Image Shelf Talker Tech Sheet
Larkmead Lillie Sauvignon Blanc 2023	92 Wine Advocate A barrel-fermented offering, Larkmead’s 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Lillie saw 32% new French oak, using those hints of pencil shavings to help structure the nose and rein in the notions of gooseberries, melon and fig. It’s medium- to full-bodied, which gives it a plump, creamy and expansive feel on the mid-palate, balanced by tart acids on the crisp finish. 94 Decanter Just flat-out delicious, this wine opens with beautifully refreshing aromas of tangerine oil, lemon zest, crushed Marcona almonds, and lily of the valley. Medium-bodied and impeccably balanced, the palate delivers succulent ripe orchard and stone fruit, with subtle hints of tropical notes—vanilla-laced guava and pineapple core—adding depth and intrigue. The finish is long and vibrant, marked by wet slate minerality and saline-acid tension, bringing remarkable energy and freshness—a stunningly poised and expressive wine.	Bottle Image Label Image Shelf Talker Tech Sheet