Saturday, July 19, 2008

Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Fume Blanc, 2005

Now this is more like it. Fresh and crisp--a good accompaniment to the next course: shrimp tossed with olive oil and Old Bay seasoning on a bed of couscous. The Sauvignon Blanc is apparent with a hint of green pepper and enough cat pee to make it honest. But there is a small amount of Viognier blended in, and it kicks in with lovely floral/peachy/musky tones.

Fume Blanc was a creation of Robert Mondavi, styled to imitate the Pouilly Fume wines of the Loire. Compared to Sancerre, Pouilly Fume has broader, peachy tones. It's 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire but Viognier works well in this blend to turn a relatively straightforward Sauvignon into a wine with added dimensions. For about $11, it's a very nice wine.

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