WTN: Grgich hits a homer with their new Fume Blanc

2005 Grgich Hills, Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley, California, $25, 19,410 cases. The wine is extremely aromatic on the nose, with layers of lemongrass, melons, and grapefruit unfolding. Sporting bright acidity, the wine delivers generous fruit flavors and a very long aftertaste; 91/91.

[Jenise]

Always liked Grgich's SB, just always balked at the price. There are so many good SB's for half that money....

There are so many good SB's for half that money....

Unfortunately, tis true -- look no further than NZ. But man, it is a fine bottle of wine.

[Jenise]

"a fine bottle of wine"

I know. Silly isn't it, that I balk at $25 for a white wine, where if that was a red wine I'd be crowing about that kind of quality for so low a price.

Silly isn't it, that I balk at $25 for a white wine, where if that was a red wine I'd be crowing about that kind of quality for so low a price.

I do the same damned thing, with the exception of a few Loire wines. What's up with that? Carole actually prefers whites over reds -- the poor demented child....

2005 Grgich Hills, Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley, California

Does the use of Fumé on the label these days indicate that it has some oak?

Does the use of Fumé on the label these days indicate that it has some oak?

Marketing gimmick reportedly started by Robert Mondavi in the late 60s or early 70s.

Does the use of Fumé on the label these days indicate that it has some oak?

Marketing gimmick reportedly started by Robert Mondavi in the late 60s or early 70s.

Yes I know that. That's why I said 'these days'. By your answer I'm guessing no.

Incidentally it was used here for a while in the late eighties, early nineties - mostly for oak-aged styles but sometimes not (which was confusing), but the use of Fumé Blanc has phased itself out in NZ because Sauvignon Blanc is the hero and to the uneducated, Fumé Blanc is a different grape.

That's why I said 'these days'.

Testy old woman! Can't answer that, Sue. I can tell you about the specific wine -- 50% stainless steel, 50% 3-year-old French oak. Oak is definitely not a significant player here. I usually find no favor with oaked SBs.

Testy old woman!

Who are you calling old?

I can tell you about the specific wine -- 50% stainless steel, 50% 3-year-old French oak. Oak is definitely not a significant player here.

Ah ha! So it does have oak. Even if it is some 'old' stuff.