2009 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Fumé Blanc

One 750ml bottle

For the third year in a row, Napa Valley received only two-thirds of its average rainfall, which reduced crop levels somewhat. Spring was essentially frost-free and it was followed by a relatively cool summer with no drastic heat surges, which brought smooth, even grape development. Just before harvest a few days of heat spikes ensured perfect ripeness when the grapes were picked in the first days of September. 
 
All of Grgich Hills vineyards are certified organic and Biodynamic®. This holistic farming practice uses the earth’s natural cycles and organic preparations to grow balanced, healthy vines without artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from their American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which spills into San Francisco Bay. The coolness restrains vigor and allows the grapes to develop a crisp liveliness that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. About 80% of the Sauvignon Blanc is planted to the Musqué clone, which provides elegant floral aromatics. 
 
Relying on naturally-occurring yeasts, 80% of the grapes were fermented in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, with the remainder in previously-used small French oak barrels. The wine is then aged for six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. These techniques add body and wonderful fruit, while not masking it behind new oak. The wine has crisp, elegant flavors of passion fruit and lemon grass with a hint of mineral at the end of the long finish. 

Passion fruit, lemongrass and a hint of mineral tones