Winemaker Notes
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.
Blend: 79% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Sémillon
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A blend of 79% Sauvignon Blanc and 21% Sémillon barrel fermented largely in 60-gallon French oak barrels, this is a well-integrated and substantial offering of sublime texture, length and complexity. Jasmine aromas ride atop fresh, vibrant layers of Meyer lemon and nectarine, a stony mineral element persistent on the finish.
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Wine & Spirits
Robert Mondavi produced the first Fumé 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.
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Wine Spectator
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.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.