Andretti Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2000

Born of a superlative Sauvignon Blanc vintage, the 2000 Andretti Sauvignon Blanc is a classic example of this great varietal. Intense aromas of apricot, melon, and pineapple wrap around vanilla and fresh crisp citrus flavors. Each sniff becomes an olfactory feast, underscoring the subtle complexity of this beautifully wrought Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, all of the luscious fruit and complexity, which makes the aroma so appealing, follows through in the mouth. In addition, a dollop of fresh grass and herb appears in the mid palate and continues to the wine's finish, solidifying the 2000 Andretti Sauvignon Blanc as the quintessential Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy this lovely wine moderately chilled (40°-50°F).

The 2000 Andretti Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with mild cheeses, light appetizers, pastas and salads. We especially recommend a shrimp and avocado salad over a bed of complex greens with the Andretti or a true Salad Nicoise. Clams, mussels, oysters and scallops served in a myriad of ways provide other memorable accompaniments to the Andretti Sauvignon Blanc. Specifically, roasted baby mussels, served with a saffron sauce or cucumber corn remoulade, or lightly fried curried oysters on baby spinach, with mandarin oranges and roasted apple vinaigrette, are two exciting and interesting shellfish dishes we recommend with this wine. This Andretti offering also makes for a great aperitif. Enjoy!

The Andretti Winery, a handsome Italianate property set amid mature Napa Valley vines, is owned by no other than the legendary Mario Andretti - racecar driver extraordinaire. Established in 1996, Andretti has totally transformed this old property, constructing a new winery, offices, tasting room villa, and barrel storage facilities all within a two-year period. But what is most exciting is the quality of wine flowing from this estate; it is every bit deserving of a checkered flag. It has been said that wine is Mario Andretti's second passion. He doesn't actually remember the moment he fell in love with wine; it just happened over a period of time. "It began in Italy where wine is part of everyday life," Mario says. Today, Mario serves as Vice Chairman of the Andretti Winery as well as President of several family-owned businesses, but like a true racecar driver, he knows when to hand matters over to his pit crew. Hence, longtime friend and Napa winemaker extraordinaire, Bob Pepe, enters the picture; he's the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at the Andretti Winery. He is highly acclaimed for his many great Sauvignon Blanc wines beginning with his family's winery in Napa Valley.