2022 Cavern Select Fume Blanc

Winemaker Notes:

The fruit used for this wine comes from the newly replanted Terrace Ranch. Our Sauvignon Blanc is 100% Musque clone, a favorite at Robert Hall for its slight floral notes and expressive character.

Varietal Notes:

Sauvignon Blanc is a popular grape variety in California with roots in France’s Bordeaux region. The reason we do not label this wine Sauvignon Blanc is because it was barrel fermented. The Fumé Blanc name was coined by Robert Mondavi back in the 1970’s. It stems for a region in the Loire called Pouilly-Fumé, where Sauvignon Blanc is made in barrels. Fumé in French translates to smoke-like, which holds true for a wine made in a toasted oak barrel.

Food Pairing:

Grilled swordfish, crab cakes, roasted vegetables; Cheese: Chevre, Brie

Vintage Notes:

Vintage 2020 began with an encouraging mild start and lower than average rainfall. Bud break and bloom were a couple weeks later than average, setting the growing season back slightly. Temperatures rose significantly in August, shortening the seasonal delay. Heat waves plagued the season from August to October, with temperatures over 110°F for extended periods of time. Harvest began on August 17th, with white wines showing great quality despite the heat. At the end of one of the warmest vintages in Paso, we have found wine flavors and quality to be very good with excellent concentration.