94 Points - The Wine Palate
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Harvested from their organically grown grapes. This wine is irresistibly delicious now, and will evolve into greatness.
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: The winter months of the 2023 vintage brought the relief of heavy rains after three consecutive drought years, with precipitation up to 50% above Napa Valley averages. An unusually cool spring delayed budbreak, and was followed by a moderately warm summer with no dramatic heat spikes, allowing the grapes to ripen beautifully. Harvest began in earnest by mid-September and carried on through the first of November, making this one of the longest growing seasons in the Grgich Hills Estate record.
Vineyard: This Sauvignon Blanc grows in their American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Francisco Bay. The clay soils retain water, allowing dry farming, 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 our Sauvignon Blanc is planted to the Musqué clone, which provides elegant floral aromatics. All vineyards are certified regenerative organic, ensuring that the grapes are of the highest quality, and responsible stewards of the environment.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: September 15, 2023
Sugar: 20.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: Indigenous yeast
Total acid: 8.56 g/L
pH: 3.15
Aging: 6 months on lees inneutral barrels
Type of oak: 100% French oak; 20% neutral barrels, 80% 900-gallon casks
Bottling date: March 2024
Release date: Fall 2026
95 Points
Seductive aromas of black fruits – blackberries, black currant, black cherry – accented by exotic wafts of cardamom and nutmeg. Still greater depth is achieved on the palate, with red berries, blackberries, and hints of blood orange and dried cranberries, bolstered by bright acidity. Vibrant tannins provide additional structure and
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
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