Oakville Fumé Blanc

Impressed as this is 10 years old.

I have to say, it was a marvelous wine. 40-60% of the fruit in this fume blanc comes from their To Kalon vineyard, and it definitely shows. Beautiful tension, ample acidity, great complexity, some pyrazine aroma (not as much as the Honig) and very French in style. This wine pays homage to Robert Mondavi standing up with the greats of France. I guessed southern Napa 2014, so not too far off there!

My original intention today was to find something old world, but also progressive... thinking pet-nat or maybe Cru Beaujolais... but instead I came across this at one third its list price. Sourced 100% from To Kalon Vineyard, so Mondavi it is. Considering what To Kalon reds command, it’s fascinating that the vineyard still has blocks planted to white varietals. The 2014 Oakville District Fumé Blanc is a blend of 79% Sauvignon Blanc and 21% Sémillon. Lots of history here... The name Fumé Blanc was actually a creation of Robert Mondavi in the late 60s. Needing a pseudonym to distinguish his dry, Loire-inspired style of Sauvignon Blanc from the mostly sweet, mostly bad versions that dominated the market at the time, he borrowed from Loire’s Pouilly-Fumé, famous for its dry Sauvignon Blancs. Mondavi never trademarked the name, actually encouraging other producers to adopt the nomenclature as an association with higher quality. Several of these producers continue to bottle the varietal under Fumé Blanc, including Dry Creek Vineyards, Grgich, Ferrari-Carano, and Benziger.
An immediately appealing nose features the signature lemon verbena of Mondavi’s Fumé Blancs. Carries surprising restraint in regard to the fruit and level of manipulation, and is an indication of the superb balance it maintains. Lime zest, stone fruit, slate, and fresh thyme. I wouldn’t pay $40 for it, but this is better than everything under $20.

Crisp citrus and hint of pineapple, bit of flint or slate, tempered by subtle woodsy fine finish. Warm elegant balance. A gem.

Salinity on the finish, crisp, citrus

Delicious!!!!

Ripe apples and some gentle oak to make them taste just a little cooked. Light and soft acidity. Not a lot of minerality. I think this wine is overall a little too simple and gentle, but it gets an extra point for being a good value. Despite its politesse, it held up to Chinese food.

100% legendary To Kalon vineyard juice, fermented and aged in French oak barrels, for $20.00? I could not believe it when I saw the price, granted it was on sale.
Now on to the wine itself. This is actually a Bordeaux blend with 79% SB and 21% Semillon. Nose is subtle with lemon, various melons, pineapple, light stone fruits, and hint of roasted almond. Creamy texture with bright acidity and oak spice to give the finish a lift.
This bottle represents extraordinary value!

Ah, the brilliance of R Mondavi using the Fume Blanc moniker. Just a great stand-by go-to wine. Some peach, oak and pear on the nose and tongue. A nice clean crisp wine. Picked up at Costco for $13 so can't beat the pp. Will get some moe to enjoy on a warm Texas summer evening on the patio. Enjoy.

Wow. On sale at Costco for $12. It’s very close to a great Sancerre. I’m going back for more!