Robert Mondavi Oakville Fume Blanc 2012
-
Wine &
Spirits -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Blend: 92% Sauvignon Blanc & 8% Sémillon.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine & Spirits
Grown at To-Kalon, where Mondavi planted what are now its oldest dry-farmed, head-pruned sauvignon vines in 1960, this is mostly from a younger planting on that site from the early 1990s. The wine barrel-fermented in older oak and aged ten months on the lees. So you'd expect a major oak presence and something creamy-rich. You get that, plus a persistence of nectarine and white peach flavor, creating a fascinating dynamic with the oak tannins, together enhancing the earthy character of the fruit.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This vintage of 92% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Sémillon presents a savory study in herbal-laced lemon and melon, rich and ripe. Expressive and expansive, it combines balanced acidity with a dry finish, spicing things up with notes of lemongrass and almond. All fruit is sourced from the famed To Kalon Vineyard.
-
Wine Spectator
Crisp and vibrant lemon and grapefruit notes are balanced by a rich, spicy overtone that invokes flavors of coconut, marmalade and Key lime pie. Smooth and juicy, with a touch of passion fruit on the finish.
Other Vintages
2015-
Tasting
Panel -
Wine
Spectator -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine &
Spirits -
Wine
Spectator
-
Tasting
Panel -
Wine
Spectator -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
Robert Mondavi Winery was founded in 1966 by winemaking pioneer Robert Mondavi, whose vision was to create Napa Valley wines that could stand in the company of the world’s finest. It was the first major winery built in Napa Valley in the three decades following the repeal of Prohibition, Robert Mondavi Winery created the foundation for the modern-day California wine industry. Today, Robert Mondavi Winery continues to pursue the fullest expression of Napa Valley terroir in wines that are also varietally authentic. Mondavi chose to situate his estate next to To Kalon Vineyard, one of the most coveted wine growing parcels in the world, known for producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and for its Sauvignon Blanc.One of the first goals Robert Mondavi set for himself was recreating Sauvignon Blanc, which was, at the time a sweet, unnuanced wine. He sought inspiration in Loire Valley Pouilly Fumé, enlivening it with a uniquely California profile. He named the delightfully rich and refined yet bright, fresh wine he created Fumé Blanc. It’s Sauvignon Blanc, plus so much more. Released in 1968, Fumé Blanc remains Mr. Mondavi’s signature and one of Robert Mondavi Winery’s most popular wines.
The first vintage (1966) of Robert Mondavi Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon is released. A shot heard throughout the Valley, it would inspire the waves of pioneers to follow. In time, the path Robert Mondavi cleared would lead to the creation of some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, Merlots and Sauvignon Blancs in the world.
“Our mission at Robert Mondavi Winery is to produce wines of elegance and complexity that are recognized globally for their exceptional quality,” says Geneviève Janssens, chief winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.