The Dry Creek Vineyards Sonoma Fume Blanc 2023 is a wine I found selling for $12. Dry Creek Vineyards has been family-owned and operated since the early 1970’s.
The Story
The first thing I need to explain is what Fume Blanc is.
The Sauvignon Blanc grape originated in France, and there are two types of Sauvignon Blanc wine.
In Bordeaux, it is called Bordeaux Blanc and is often blended with the Semillon grape. These wines, especially the more expensive ones, are aged in oak barrels.
The second type is from the Loire Valley, where there are bright, expressive wines that are aged in Stainless Steel vats.
In California, in the 60s and 70s, Sauvignon Blanc was a sweet wine that wasn’t highly regarded.
Robert Mondavi, the Godfather of California wine, tried selling a French Bordeaux-style Sauvignon Blanc wine, but could’t find an audience. So he called the wine Fume Blanc, which was an old French name for Sauvignon Blanc, and the sales took off.
Fume Blanc is Sauvignon Blanc, but it may indicate the wine saw oak aging. But then again, maybe not.
Dry Creek Vineyards Sonoma Fume Blanc 2023 is comprised of Estate grapes and carefully chosen local growers. It is fermented and aged in Stainless Steel, is sustainably farmed and produced, and is vegan-friendly.
The Dry Creek AVA is part of the Russian River watershed. It is 20 miles long and 2 miles wide and is known for old vine Zinfandel wines.
Dry Creek Vineyards’ first vintage of Fume Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc was 1973.
The alcohol content is 13%.
The Dry Creek Vineyards Sonoma Fume Blanc 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is a pale sunshine yellow. The nose is melon, grapefruit, apple, peach, pear, spice, and tropical fruit. The Dry Creek Vineyards Sonoma Fume Blanc 2023 is smooth and balanced, with intersting flavors.
This Sauvignon Blanc tastes like Anjou Pear, Green Apple, and a slap of sharp spice. Followed by kiwi, peach, and nectarine.
The acidity is bright and allows the flavors to fully unfold.
The Summary
- The Dry Creek Vineyards Sonoma Fume Blanc 2023 is an excellent Sauvignon Blanc/Fume Blanc.
- It has delicious, balanced flavors.
- It would pair well with fancy salads and spicy Asian cuisine.
