Long Live Fumé!

Believe it or not, there are some hum drum days in the wine business. Endless phone calls, meetings, sales planning, financial worries…I could go on and on.

But today was one of those days that reminded me how lucky I am to come to work each day in an actual winery.

We had been tasting through some of our older Fumé Blancs to determine how well they’ve stood the test of time. Whites are not generally recognized for longevity and yet, I was raised on the notion that SB does indeed age well. So far, our favorites were the 1989, 1997, and 1998 DCV 3 (single vineyard). We hadn’t really considered going back to the 1970’s, as we have so few bottles left. And by the looks of the moldy old labels, they weren’t all that appealing.

The color was brilliant and golden. It was juicy and lively with aromas of rosemary, thyme, green olive and Meyer lemons. And then I remembered something my father once told me about older Fumé Blancs. “A well aged Sauvignon Blanc should smell like a great old Italian delicatessen.” And, that
is exactly what this relic wine smelled like.

So, for those of you who have an older Dry Creek Fumé Blanc hanging
around, don’t despair. Pop the cork and you just might be in for a wonderful surprise!