Dry Creek , 2000 Fume Blanc Review

I have been on a quest to find a great California dry wine. I wanted something in the style of a Sancerre wine that was still affordable - priced under $15 a bottle. Tonight, my quest came to an end!

Learn With Me
For anyone unfamiliar with Sancerre (sahn-sair) wines, they are simply white wines from the Loire Valley in France and only those wines that are produced in and around the hilltop town of Sancerre can bear the name.  White wines from the Sancerre region are made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety.

Here's the fun one and where 'they' try to confuse you. Fumé Blanc (foo-mae) is nothing more than a U.S. synonym for Sauvignon Blanc. The term was invented by Robert Mondavi in the 1970s as a marketing ploy and has been copied every since. Originally the term was supposed to refer to a very dry style, but for the most part, any distinction between Fumé and Sauvignon has been lost. Some, like Dry Creek, call their Sauvignon Blanc - Fumé just to be different. Tricky, huh?

Exactly What I Was Looking For
The first thing I noticed on opening the bottle was a woody, earthy scent along with a slight hint of citrus. The pour was a bright, pale yellow color and a swirl revealed even more of the citrus. This was indeed a dry wine (residual sugar levels well below .5%), but not vaporously so.  The finish was nice and crisp and brisk.

Cost and Availability
I purchased this wine at Costco for $10.99, expect to pay slightly more at a local wine shop. Total case production of this wine is fairly small: under 35,000 cases. Fumé Blanc wines from Dry Creek Vineyards have been regular gold medal winners year in and year out; if you find this wine, be sure to grab a bottle or two while you can.

Recommendations
This is a great wine for the money and a perfect hot weather wine. It was a sensational accompaniment to my crab cakes and wild rice and I wouldn't hesitate to pair it with fish or heavier (even fried) seafoods.

The Bottom Line
An excellent Fumé Blanc at a great, inexpensive price.