2023 Langtry Lillie Sauvignon Blanc

2023 Langtry Lillie Sauvignon Blanc

The celebrated “Jersey Lily” charmed Victorian London as an actress and socialite, became the Prince of Wales’ most famous mistress, then shocked society again by pursuing a career on the professional stage. But perhaps her most audacious act came in 1888, when she purchased the Guenoc Ranch in California and transformed herself into one of the state’s pioneering female vintners.
Our Lillie’s Vineyard, planted in 1985 near her original homestead, pays tribute to this extraordinary woman who refused to be confined by convention. Like Lillie herself, our Sauvignon Blanc is both elegant and spirited, with vibrant notes of lemongrass, apricot, and orange blossom that capture her vivacious personality. The wine’s crisp acidity and bright finish embody the same boldness that made Lillie Langtry a legend—a fitting tribute to a woman who turned every chapter of her life into an adventure.

 

Wine Specs

Vintage: 2023
Varietal: 100 % Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Guenoc Valley
Vineyard Designation: Lillie Vineyard
Alcohol %: 13.0
Aging 8 months neutral barrel aged
T/A 6.6 g/L
pH 3.26
Accolades 94 pts Wine Enthusiast

Wine Profile

GROWING SEASON NOTES

The 2023 vintage in Guenoc Valley unfolded under long, temperate conditions—ideal for gradual ripening and balanced flavor development. A cool, wet winter and spring delayed bud break slightly while replenishing soil moisture across the estate. Summer brought steady, moderate warmth with no major heat spikes, allowing for extended hang time, excellent canopy health, and remarkable varietal expression throughout the season.

VINEYARD NOTES

Lillie’s Vineyard, a five-acre block just west of the Langtry House. Planted to shallow, low-nutrient soils with high magnesium content, the site encourages low yields and produces small, intensely flavored berries. East-west row orientation and cool nighttime temperatures help preserve acidity while enhancing aromatic lift.

WINEMAKING NOTES

The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning and gently whole-cluster pressed. After a period of cold settling, the juice was racked into a mix of stainless-steel tanks and neutral oak barrels for fermentation. The wine then aged on its lees for eight months, with periodic bâtonnage to build texture and depth, before being stabilized and bottled to retain freshness and purity.

TASTING NOTES

This 2023 Sauvignon Blanc opens with vibrant aromatics of lemongrass, peach, and orange blossom. The palate follows with ripe citrus, candied lemon, and sweetgrass layered over a round mid palate. Bright acidity carries through to a zesty lemon curd finish, offering both freshness and energy in every sip.

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