Fermoy Estate Coldfire Fumé Blanc 2024

Who doesn’t like Sauvignon Blanc with a little ooomf? A herbal and savoury nose of split straw, cumquat, prickly pear, and flint—gives way to a feeling of knowing, yet, still guessing. As interest in classic Margaret River SB and SBS wanes, the rise of Fumé-style seems like a natural progression for the region. And when done well—it excites me! Fumé translates to smoked or smoke-flavour, and this wine is true to its name. Camp-oven peach cobbler, coriander seed, lime zest, coastal succulents, and fresh pear. The wine sees 100% barrel-fermented and is matured for nine months in French oak, adding texture, structure, and soft spices. Great length. Good palate weight. The acid is crunchy, and the wine finishes with a comforting phenolic cocoon and the reminiscence of smoky gum leaves. Serve with ashed goat’s cheese from your local monger.

Cyndal Petty

Wine Critic at Winepilot

A hopeless romantic for wine and food, Cyndal is nearing 15 years in hospitality while still (just) under 30. A Chef-turned-Sommelier and award-winning wine professional, Cyndal recently left a Group Sommelier role where she curated seven wine lists across multiple venues and led the wine team to Gourmet Traveller Wine Bar of the Year—just months after opening. Now freelance, Cyndal is a wine consultant, event host, wine judge, and wine writer. Passionate about sharing wine’s story with the world, she brings a fresh voice and creative solutions to the industry. After studying and traveling through most of her 20s, she’s now based in WA’s southwest, proudly embracing her role as a WA coastal cowgirl.

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