Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fume Blanc 2018
The zesty lemon, lime and orange citrus, fragrant peach, and fresh pineapple fruit of our 2014 Fumé Blanc are mouthwatering delicious, with lemon-lime blossom and minerality further tantalizing the palate, on a wine that is both silky in texture and refreshingly focused. Made with 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Semillon.
The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool of the morning and gently pressed as whole clusters--minimizing skin contact--to retain freshness and vibrancy. Eighty-nine percent of the juice was barrel fermented for added richness and complexity, with a small percentage in new French oak. The balance underwent a cool fermentation in stainless steel to heighten the vibrant fruity and herbal flavors. The new wine was aged for nine months in 60-gallon French oak barrels, sûr lie (on the yeast lees), and hand stirred twice a month for a creamy texture and seamless integration of flavors. The addition of a small percentage of Semillon gives the final blend a broader mouth feel and enhanced complexity. The wine was bottled in April 2015.