Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Napa Valley 2019

"In 1968, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich went to work for Robert Mondavi as chief enologist, making the inaugural release of “Fumé Blanc.” This elegant, dry style of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc was named “Fumé Blanc” by Robert Mondavi, playing on the French word meaning smoke. At Grgich Hills Estate, Mike continued to make this elevated style of Sauvignon Blanc, paying homage to his former employer and friend. Relying on naturally-occurring yeasts, we fermented a portion of the grapes in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, with the remainder in oak barrels. We then aged the wine for six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. This 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Fumé Blanc) will tantalize your senses with notes of green pepper, snap pea, lime and star fruit. On the front palate, enjoy the fresh fruit flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple supported by an undertone of sea salt. This wine’s chiseled texture, linear acidity, and long finish make it the perfect pairing with filet of sole, pork loin and savory goat cheese." - Grgich Hills

"We grow Sauvignon Blanc grapes in our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Francisco Bay. The clay soils retain water, allowing us to dry farm, and the coolness slows ripening and retains acidity. The grapes develop a crisp liveliness that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. About 80% of our Sauvignon Blanc is planted to the Musqué clone, which provides elegant floral aromatics. We farm our vineyards naturally using the principles of regenerative agriculture, and they are certified organic." - Grgich Hills

The 2019 Fume Blanc Estate delivers fabulously flamboyant scents of pink grapefruit, passion fruit and lime cordial with wafts of lemon blossoms, mandarin peel and struck flint. The medium-bodied palate is packed with pure, zesty, expressive tropical and citrus layers plus tons of minerally accents and herbal sparks lifting the finish. It's irresistibly delicious now, but I'd love to see it with 2-3 years of bottle age too. (LPB) (11/2020)