Fumé Blanc was originally created by the famous Napa Valley winemaker, Robert Mondavi. In an attempt to avoid the negative image of the then, sweet, boring style of Napa Sauvignon Blanc, he invented a new name for the variety.
Fumé – Referring to smoke-like vapour or substance.
Blanc – French for white and enshrined in the name of Pouilly-Fumé of the Loire Valley.
While not legally required to be an oaked wine, the term has become synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc wines fermented and aged in oak around the world. The aim is a crisp, fruity white wine with a Chardonnay-like texture and creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of the elegant and revered wines of Pouilly Fumé.

Tasting Notes

The wine exudes elderflower, jasmine and lemon verbena with a sweet hint of Vanilla the only suggestion of oak. On the palate the wine is crisp and mineral with a lingering length of citrus blossom, lemon thyme and cream. A perfect balance of full-bodied complexity, mouthwatering acidity and a long finish it is a stunning encapsulation of the unique terroir of the Wairau gravels.