Flavor descriptors:
Vibrant lemon verbena, lime blossom, wet stone and fennel flavors glide across the palate in a rich wave that finishes with a bright, refreshing lift. The long finish allows these wonderfully integrated flavors to linger deliciously on the palate.
Vintage:
2014 started with worrisome, drought-like conditions, and many feared a parched, dry spring as in 2013. Refreshingly, spring rains came in February and into March providing water for the soils and filling reservoirs. The wine growing season will most be remembered for the August 24th Napa earthquake that occurred just as harvest was commencing in the Napa Valley. The vines were not affected and harvest finished early, bringing in beautiful, healthy fruit. Grape picking took place from August 19th through September 1st.
Vineyards:
Grapes for our Oakville Fume Blanc were harvested from our To Kalon Vineyard, which surrounds the Robert Mondavi Winery. To Kalon (Greek for highest beauty) is one of Napa Valley’s oldest and most respected vineyards. Here in the geographic center of the valley, To Kalon Vineyard lies against the hills on the Oakville bench, where lean, well-drained soils and an ideal climate foster complex flavors in Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Winemaking:
We hand-harvested the Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon in the cool, early morning and then gently pressed the whole clusters, minimizing skin contact, to retain freshness and vibrancy in the wine. For richness and complexity, we barrel-fermented 91% of the wine in 60-gallon French oak barrels. The wine was then barrel aged on its lees (sûr lie) for eight months with hand stirring (bâtonnage) to integrate flavors and develop its creamy texture. A portion of new barrels (8%) contribute subtle oak spices to the fruit character. The wine was bottled in July, 2015.
- Varietal Composition:
79 % Sauvignon Blanc
21 % Sémillon - Total acid: 6.3 g/L
Final pH: 3.15
Residual sugar: 0.57 g/L
Alcohol: 14.5 % by volume - ** Only 1 in Stock **
Rich and opulent, offering a mix of honeysuckle, candied ginger peel and lemon verbena flavors on a smooth and crisp body. Strikes a terrific balance and finishes with plenty of spice and zest. Drink now. 5,796 cases made. -MW - Wine Spectator Magazine 91 Points
Robert Mondavi produced the first Fume Blanc in 1968, inventing a new name and a new style for sauvignon blanc. Fifty years later, the wine is still distinctive, this vintage being super oaky at first, then saturated with a rich, golden fruit presence. It’s as savory as a meat broth with notes of flamed orange zest. Decant it for gingery braised rabbit. - Wine & Spirits Magazine 91 Points
