Rowlee Single Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2023

Fumé Blanc – ‘smoky white’ – was a big selling wine style in the 1980s and 90s. Good to see it still has traction with drinkers contributing an extra layer of flavour to Sauvignon Blanc. A portion of this ’23 Orange Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in seasoned French oak. It imparts a gentle, discreet toasty smokiness melding with lemongrass, pea shoot, dill, grapefruit, lime and asparagus. There’s a steady winemaking hand on the tiller with just enough texture to elevate the wines and just enough cut and bite of acidity to finish with a real snap of freshness.