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
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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