McFadden Family 'Blue Quail' Sauvignon Blanc, Potter Valley, California

Bathed in the cool mountain air of Mendocino’s Potter Valley, the 2024 Blue Quail Sauvignon Blanc carries the freshness of its high-altitude vineyards straight into the glass. Nightly temperature drops of up to 40 degrees slow ripening, allowing remarkable natural acidity to shine alongside layers of fruit and floral complexity.

Product Details:

• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vineyard Elevation: 1,100 feet
• Farming: Certified Organic (since 1991)
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pressed; fermented in stainless steel
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Producer: Blue Quail (McFadden Farm)

Sensory Description:

On the nose, vibrant aromas of guava, kiwi, orange blossoms, and honeydew melon leap from the glass, accented by spicy citrus zest and a kiss of grapefruit. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with flavors of succulent green apple, Meyer lemon zest, grapefruit blossom, and wet seashell minerality. Brilliant acidity propels the wine through a long, elegant finish, balancing fruit richness with a clean, saline snap.

Winemaker's Background:

The McFadden family has been shaping Potter Valley’s wine identity since 1970, when Guinness McFadden first planted vines in what many thought was too cold for grape growing. A naval veteran and visionary farmer, McFadden embraced organic farming decades before it was fashionable, certifying the estate in 1991. Beyond grapes, the farm produces garlic braids, herbs, wild rice, and even generates its own hydroelectric and solar power. In 2011, his son Jameson launched the Blue Quail label to showcase the family’s still wines, which are now sold across 15 states. Joined by her sister, Fontaine, and her husband, Brian, in 2019, the next generation continues the legacy of stewardship, sustainability, and innovation.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 45–50 °F in a white wine glass. This Sauvignon Blanc is a natural match for oysters, shrimp, and scallops, but also pairs beautifully with fresh salads, chèvre, sushi, or simple roast chicken. Its mineral finish and zesty acidity make it equally delightful as an aperitif on warm afternoons.

With its crystalline fruit, lively acidity, and mineral elegance, the 2024 Blue Quail Sauvignon Blanc captures both the pioneering spirit of the McFadden family and the unique character of Mendocino’s Potter Valley. It is a wine that honors its organic roots while delivering a refreshing, world-class expression of Sauvignon Blanc.