Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2005

Sophisticated, serious wine here, with layers of grapefruit, lime blossom, kaffir lime leaves, slate and touches of smoke and spice. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two.

Connoisseurs' Guide rating: 92

Grgich Hills Fume Blanc is estate grown, meaning they control everything from the ground to the bottle. They feel this is essential to achieve the kind of quality, balance and consistency that is Grgich Hills' hallmark. The 2005 Fume Blanc displays classic varietal flavors of grapefruit, lemongrass and a touch of minerality, a full mouth feel and long finish. This versatile, flavorful white wine is a great companion to a wide variety of food flavors and textures. Here is a big, potent Fume that is rife with both very deep fruit and loads of varietal herbs, and its generous mix of melons and read more...grass is framed with very evident oak. Full and close to oily in feel, it has the weight and richness of Chardonnay but is solidly and unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc from beginning to end. There will no doubt be those who think it too much of a good thing, but it will never be accused of timidity, and it will stand up to appropriately full-flavored foods. And, for those with a yearning for older Sauvignon Blancs, the Grgich bottlings have frequently exhibited incredible staying power. -Connoisseurs' Guide All of Grgich Hills' vineyards are biodynamically farmed, an agricultural philosophy that incorporates all of the elements of organic farming, using no artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or fungicides. Additionally, it treats the Earth as a living organism and utilizes nature's basic life forces to bring about balance between the grapevines and the Earth.    (hide)

Wine Spectator rating: 90

Rating: 92/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines on Sep-06

Rating: 92CG - As reviewed by Grgich Hills Estate Grown Napa Valley Fume Blanc