95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
91 Points - The Wine Independent
91 Points - James Suckling
The Wine
In 1968, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich went to work for Robert Mondavi as chief enologist, making the inaugural release of Fume Blanc. This elegant, dry style of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc was named “Fume Blanc” by Robert Mondavi, playing on the French word meaning smoke. Relying on naturally-occurring yeasts, they fermented a portion of the grapes in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, with the remainder in oak barrels. Then aged the wine for six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. At Grgich Hills Estate, Mike continued to make this elevated style of Sauvignon Blanc, paying homage to his former employer and friend.
Vintage
They grow Sauvignon Blanc grapes in 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 their Sauvignon Blanc is planted to the Musqué clone, which provides elegant floral aromatics. All our vineyards are certified regenerative organic, ensuring that all of our grapes are of the highest quality, and responsible stewards of the environment.
Vineyard
The Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Francisco Bay. The clay soils retain water, allowing them 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 their Sauvignon Blanc is planted to the Musqué clone, which provides elegant floral aromatics. All farmed naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and certified organic.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Aug. 27 - Sept. 10, 2021
Sugar: 22.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 7.1 g/L
pH: 3.16
Aging: 6 months on lees inneutral barrels
Type of oak: French oak; 20% neutral barrels 80% 900-gallon casks
Bottling date: March 2022
Release date: Nov. 1, 2023
All Wines
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
93 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. Its rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish.
94 Points
Rich and full-bodied and graced with elegant structure. Nuanced flavors of blackberries and ripe cherries that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving. A subtle waft of roasted coffee beans and lightly toasted almonds entwine with raspberry in a luxurious finish.
93 Points
Aromas of glazed lemon, pear drops, ripe gooseberries, acacia and wet stone on the nose. The palate is juicy and vibrant on the palate with attractive notes of tarragon and citrus peel. Medium to full bodied with vivid acidity and mineral under-tones. Crisp and flavorful.
Highly Recommended
Aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices. The palate opens with a dense and lush tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, and a long flavorful vanilla finish.
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