2022 The Estates Fumé Blanc, Oakville

94 Points "The 2022 Fumé Blanc reminds me of a great Pessac-Léognan Blanc and offers a classy, pure, balanced style that's just a joy to drink. Honeyed citrus, chalky minerality, minty flowers, and a kiss of white pepper all shine in this medium-bodied, focused, lively white that brings rock-solid intensity and depth while staying balanced. It's impeccably made, and while I love it today, I wouldn't be shocked to see it evolve gracefully over the coming 10-12 years."
— Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, January 2025

93 Points "A mouth-filling, complex take on sauvignon blanc sourced from Mondavi's own To Kalon vineyard. It offers light herbs like tarragon and thyme, then bright, bold citrus and snappy green apple flavors on the mid-palate and finish. Largely barrel-fermented and using 23% new French oak. Shows good depth, balance and length. Drink now."
— Jim Gordon, JamesSuckling.com, January 2025

Aromas: Citrus blossom, poached pear, ginger, lychee, and a touch of mango
Flavors: Stone fruit followed by jasmine, marzipan, and a hint of salinity
Body: Juicy with a lively acidity, full balanced presence, and a long broad finish

THE VINEYARD: This wine starts with a young block planted to the I-Block clone from our Oakville estate, which offers vibrant stone fruit, a hint of minty herbs, and floral notes. It is blended with fruit from our other estate blocks, adding tropical fruit character and citrus notes. A small amount of Sémillon is added to complement the Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant fruit and acidity, adding notes of fresh apple and a creamy texture.

THE VINTAGE: Overall, the 2022 vintage was a mild, dry, and very pleasant growing season through August. Temperatures then surged for a week in August. Our grape-growing and winemaking teams worked non-stop to keep the vine healthy and happy until temperatures cooled to a level more reasonable for early fall and we could resume picking. The fruit for this Fumé Blanc was harvested by hand. The juice was barrel fermented, then aged for eight months in French oak barrels (23% new).