Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fumé Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc With A Fancy French Name

94% Sauvignon Blanc and 6% Semillon from Napa Valley (51% Stags Leap District, 30% Oakville, 19% Napa Valley), California.

SRP of $20 and available for as low as $12. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

“Robert Mondavi created the first Fumé Blanc in 1966 to distinguish his unique Sauvignon Blanc from other styles produced at that time. This crisp, refreshing wine captures the vivid character of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and exhibits bright citrus, melon, floral, and mineral notes. Robert Mondavi built his Napa Valley winery with a singular vision: to create wines that stand among the world’s finest.

13.9% Alcohol”

As the label states, the name Fumé Blanc was created by Robert Mondavi in the late 1960s in an effort to differentiate his new style of dry Sauvignon Blanc from the sweet version that was popular at the time. After creating the name he allowed anyone and everyone to use it as they like, which is why even to this day you see a number of wineries labelling their bottles with it. Today; however, it really isn’t representative of anything, it’s just another name for Sauvignon Blanc. Vincyclopedia tells us more:

“Fumé” literally translates to “smoke,” but this has nothing to do with a “smoky” flavor in the wine, although that is a popular notion. It instead refers to the morning fog that covers the Loire Valley and is “as thick as smoke.” Any smoke-like smells or flavors in Sauvignon Blanc are from aging in toasted oak barrels and are definitely not due to any aroma or flavor character inherent in this grape variety. Although some wineries may choose oak barrel fermentation, oak aging, or both, the use of “Fumé Blanc” on a label does not require that the wine be barrel-fermented or ever contact any oak whatsoever. Fumé Blanc is simply an approved synonym for Sauvignon Blanc.”

The 2010 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Fumé Blanc begins with pleasant aromas of lime, tropical fruit, melon and some light fennel spice notes. The wine tastes excellent with lots of lemongrass, more tropical fruit (guava and pineapple primarily), orange zest and lime wrapped up in a very smooth texture. The wine also features a wonderful racy acidity. It ends with lingering citrus and guava notes and even has a bit of earthy minerality on the long finish. Whatever you call it, it’s plenty good!

Buy this wine online from our featured sponsor Marketview Liquor or see a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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