Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley

This Fumé Blanc is a barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc from the southern end of the Napa Valley where the cooling influence of the Pacific gives the wines real freshness and elegance. Using only naturally occurring yeasts a portion of the grapes were fermented in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, with the remainder in smaller oak barrels. It was then aged for six months on its lees in neutral barrels. On the nose it has aromas of tart green apple, lemon meringue, slate and guava plus very subtle oak seasoning while the palate brings forward orange peel, lemon, tropical fruits and more mineral notes. Altogether it is medium bodied with great freshness and mouth watering acidity.