1998 Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County
Vintage
1998
Price
$11
Release Date
April 1999
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Alexander Valley - Wasson, Big Oak and Mesa
- Dry Creek - Sandhu
- Lake County - Sonatina Vineyards
- Russian River - Santa Rosa Junior College
- Carneros - Hi Vista
- Sonoma Mountain - Benziger Family
- Monterey - San Lucas Vineyards
Grapes
- 97% Sauvignon Blanc
- 3% Semillon
Vintage
The 1998 vintage was a challenging, but ultimately rewarding one for Benziger's Fumé Blanc. Harvest was later than usual, September 29th, through October 14th, due to the long, cool growing season followed by a very warm September and October. The result were grapes with outstanding varietal character - crisp citrus fruit and herbal notes with good acidity - which was maintained through winemaking.
Vinification
The grapes for this wine grew on four-to-24-year-old vines selected from over 20 blocks in nine vineyards. Twenty percent of the grapes were barrel-fermented in new, one, and two-year-old American oak barrels; 80% was tank fermented in stainless steel. None of the wines underwent malolactic fermentation, and 90% of the final blend was aged for three months in French and American oak. The wine was bottled in February, 1999 . Alcohol: 13.0%, total acidity: .58, pH: 3.45, residual sugar :.16.
Tasting Notes
This wine has aromas of bright apple, citrus & kiwi with herbal notes, and has fruity herbal flavors in the mouth with a clean, crisp acidity. It is complex from its diverse origins and has substantial backbone from non-malolactic fermentation. Best enjoyed now or over the next year, especially with summer salads, grilled chicken, soups, or by itself.