****1/2 drink or cellar
Robert Mondavi ‘Fumé Blanc’ 2007
Napa Valley $22.95 (221887) 14.3% alcohol
This is a unique and delicious expression of Sauvignon Blanc. Involved aromas of buttered toast, floral and herbaceous notes segue flavours of gooseberry and white peach that arrive in palate-drenching waves. It’s mid weight, creamy textured and sports a lingering crisp and lip-smacking citrus finish. 8% Semillon was blended in then it was aged sur lie—resting on expended yeast cells, followed by batonage—stirring the cells periodically adding texture and flavour. Finally, it was aged three months in mostly seasoned French oak barrels. (Vic Harradine)