Driftwood Artifacts Fumé Blanc 2021

 

Here we have an aromatic Fumé Blanc from the Margaret River.

Ridgemill Estate Fumé Blanc 2021

 

Fumé is the only way to make Sauv Blanc I say and this is a beauty. Textured, considered and layered with interest, this is a terrific drink. 

Hesketh Jimi's Ferment Fumé Blanc 2021

 

Winemaker James Lienert was responsible for this wine - Jimi's Ferment it was creatively named. He's a good fella too. I've been fortunate to spend some time with him chewing the fat at the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup a couple of years ago. I digress. This is a white wine handled like a red wine without the skins and it's delicious.

Polperro Fumé Blanc 2020

 

This is where a Hawaiian shirt meets linen pants - a playful side with a little sophistication and a dash of high brow. Sauv Blanc done well. 

Eldridge Estate Fumé Blanc 2019

 

Humble, classy and adorned with sheets of sophistication. A brilliant Fumé Blanc that's in the zone. 

Hesketh Jimi's Ferment Fumé Blanc 2020

 

Fermented like a red wine but without the skins the back label says, this Sauvignon Blanc went through MLF then saw seven months in old French oak.

Higher Plane Fumé Blanc 2019

100% barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc that saw old French oak for 6 months.

Singlefile Single Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2019

Tasty stuff. A refreshing Great Southern Fumé with some cool mojo.

Brackenwood Fumé Blanc 2017

Fumé Blanc from the Adelaide Hills.

Brackenwood Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2018

Sauvignon Blanc made with a little effort goes a long way. A tidy Fumé from the Adelaide Hills.

Singlefile Wines Single Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2016

This release doesn't have the get up and go which I had hoped for. The 2015 was an energetic type - perhaps a dose of Ritalin would have calmed it a bit. But it had some personality through. This 2016 starting out with creme brûlée and buttered popcorn aromas and I was keen.

Patrick of Coonawarra Fumé Blanc 2015

Here's a Sauvignon Blanc that I enjoyed drinking! I know - it doesn't happen all that often so it's worth getting excited about. Some barrel work never hurt anyone and winemaker Luke Tocaciu has used it well.

There's little Sauvignon Blanc coming out of Coonawarra - less than 1% actually. This Sauv was barrel fermented and left on lees in old French oak puncheons.

Whilst some of the tropical fruit nuances of the variety are still present, they sit behind the delicate creamy and textural delivery courtesy of the barrel work. Mouthfilling and long to finish, I was happy to keep going back for more.

Great buying for the money too.

Drink over the next few years with creamy pasta dishes.

Very good.

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.patrickofcoonawarra.com

Subscribe to Qwine here

Follow me: Twitter Qwine Instagram _Qwine

Patrick of Coonawarra Fumé Blanc 2014

Coonawarra isn't exactly a Sauvignon Blanc haven, but this Fumé Blanc is a pretty smart wine. When worked this variety gets my attention and winemaker Luke Tocaciu has ticked that box for sure.

Fermented on lees in second use French oak puncheons and the then aged for a further twelve months, the final result is a mix of freshness with delicious textural appeal.

Tropical fruit headed by subdued canned pineapple, green melon and lychees then shifts to light creamy flavours not too dissimilar to a lightish whipped butter. It's not a heavy clumsy use of oak that's for sure. The long finish fills the mouth with a lick of pineapple again on exit. A great little package.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $29
Source: Sample

www.patrickofcoonawarra.com

Follow me @Qwine

Willow Bridge Estate Bookends Fumè 2013

As per the label: hand picked, whole bunch pressing, natural ferment and nine months in French oak.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (52%) and Semillon (48%), you got my attention with the French oak bit. For me, Sauv Blanc is best when it's been worked a little.

Some creamy and lemon curd type aromas with a touch of grapefruit kick things off. There's a squeeze of gooseberry and asparagus sitting nicely in the background.

Quite fresh with plenty of fruit driving the bus. The grapefruit acidity seems a little tight however. The creamy texture enables the length to hang on.

Ready to drink it now, it's a good drop but doesn't hit the spot entirely for me to set out and buy it.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

Follow me @Qwine

Bimbadgen MCA Series XIV Fumé Blanc 2014

The MCA Series is a partnership between Bimbadgen and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Sauvignon Blanc for this wine comes from Orange. Half of it spent five months in new and old French Oak, hence why it is called Fumé Blanc - giving a hint of oak character.

This is more melons and passionfruit than the grassy acidic cat's piss that Sauv Blanc can be.

Fresh with a liveliness but the tempo is settled by the ever so subtle oak. It just feels and tastes good - and I don't generally like Sauv Blanc - but I like this. Lots. Guzzle juice.

Find it. Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $29
Source: Sample

www.bimbadgen.com.au

Follow me @Qwine