WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool of the morning and gently pressed as whole clusters–minimizing skin contact–to retain freshness and vibrancy. Eighty-nine percent of the juice was barrel fermented for added richness and complexity, with a small percentage in new French oak. The balance underwent a cool fermentation in stainless steel to heighten the vibrant fruity and herbal flavors. The new wine was aged for nine months in 60-gallon French oak barrels, sûr lie (on the yeast lees), and hand stirred twice a month for a creamy texture and seamless integration of flavors. The addition of a small percentage of Semillon gives the final blend a broader mouth feel and enhanced complexity. The wine was bottled in April 2015.
The zesty lemon, lime and orange citrus, fragrant peach, and fresh pineapple fruit of our 2014 Fumé Blanc are mouthwatering delicious, with lemon-lime blossom and minerality further tantalizing the palate, on a wine that is both silky in texture and refreshingly focused.
“Mr. Mondavi wanted to create a Sauvignon Blanc that reflected Napa Valley: He was able to produce a richer style with the brightness of Sauvignon Blanc. Fumé Blanc is the symbol of Mr. Mondavi’s innovation.” Genevieve Janssens – Director of Winemaking
