.St. Helena’s Charles Krug is the earliest winery that appeared in Napa Valley back in 1861. The winery has a lot if history, the most interesting not involving Krug, the Prussian immigrant who got the barrel rolling. No, that occurred when the winery changed hands from the second owner James Moffitt to Cesare and Rosa Mondavi. Led by impassioned Cesare and his capable hands, the Mondavi’s built Krug into one of the premier wineries in the Valley. But peace and harmony do not always co-exist in a family business. The two Mondavi brothers took over managing the winery upon their father’s passing with Mother Rosa acting as president. However, Peter and Robert often disagreed over the business and eventually, in 1966 when Peter became president, Robert in less than amicable fashion left to start on his own down the road in Oakville. As you know, there’s a lot of passion in these tight-knit Italian families. But, in the long run the split has had a dramatic and mostly effect on California’s wine industry. And while Robert Mondavi is the more high profile brother, Peter Mondavi and his family at Charles Krug do not need to share their Mondavi legacy in Napa Valley with anyone else. So, about the wine. The 2005 season was an arduous trial with an early growth, rains early and late, cooler summer temperatures, and a late harvest. This may have caused some consternation to the growers but somehow they managed and things came together successfully. The results for their Sauvignon Blanc are quite positive. First there’s an inviting nose of lush stone fruit, tropical fruit, and floral tinges. It’s crisp and invigorating in the mouth with a complex mash of peaches, green apples, melon, and bananas that smooths out into a velvety texture. There’s a lovely lingering finish with complementing acidity. Works well as an aperitif and not to mention seafood, poultry, salads, and cheese.

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