Reviews & Ratings

2009 Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc "Napa Valley"

Winery: Grgich Hills

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Sauvignon Blanc

Grape blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $30

Cases produced: 14,008

KWG Score: 88.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: January 23, 2011

Wine Review: This pale yellow colored Fume Blanc was well received by our mini-panel in our recent review of high end Sauvignon Blanc. It opens with a fragrant ruby grapefruit bouquet with a hint of lime. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, tangy, and full of life. The flavor profile is a tasty ripe grapefruit with a hint of lime and green apple. The finish is dry, crisp, and refreshing. Enjoy this lively Fume with lemon sole or ham. - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Relying on naturally-occurring yeasts, we fermented 80% of the grapes in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, with the remainder in previously-used small French oak barrels. We then aged the wine six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. These techniques add body while showcasing the wonderful fruit, not masking it behind new oak. The wine's crisp, elegant flavors of passion fruit, lemon grass and a hint of mineral at the end of the long finish are perfect with a green salad topped by Chevre cheese, grilled seafood or sauteed chicken breast.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Grgich Hills 2009 Fume Blanc.