Dry Creek Vineyard Fume Blanc 2023

Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2023 is a 750ml whole-cluster-pressed Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, blending three Sauvignon clones. As the first winery to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley appellation, this estate remains the benchmark producer for the region's unoaked, stainless-steel-fermented style of Fumé Blanc.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 79% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Sauvignon Musqué & Sauvignon Gris  |  Origin: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California  |  Vintage: 2023  |  Producer: Dry Creek Vineyard

Production & Heritage

Dry Creek Vineyard was founded in 1972 by David Stare, who became the first vintner to plant Sauvignon Blanc vines in the Dry Creek Valley — a decision that helped define the region's identity. The 2023 Fumé Blanc is whole-cluster pressed to maximize delicate aromatics and preserve the grape's naturally firm acidity, then fermented entirely in stainless steel with no oak influence whatsoever. The tri-clone blend of traditional Sauvignon Blanc with smaller proportions of Sauvignon Musqué and Sauvignon Gris adds aromatic complexity and textural roundness that a single-clone bottling would not achieve.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lemon, lime, and pink grapefruit dominate the initial impression, followed by floral layers of honeysuckle and geranium. Secondary notes of tangerine, mango, and lychee emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bright and immediate, with passionfruit and white peach leading the charge. Mid-palate, cucumber and lemongrass introduce a savory dimension, while underlying minerality and medium-plus acidity keep the wine taut and focused. The mouthfeel lands medium-bodied — round and zippy at once, with a mouthwatering quality that drives you back for another sip.

Finish: Crisp and refreshing, with lingering hints of parsley, ginger, and citrus zest. The finish is clean and moderately long, sustained by the wine's firm acidic backbone.

How to Drink Dry Creek Fumé Blanc

Serve well chilled at 45–50°F to let the aromatic complexity unfold without muting the acidity. This is a wine built for drinking on its own as an aperitif or alongside food. A white wine spritzer preserves the citrus profile while adding effervescence for warm-weather drinking. A Hugo Spritz — topped with elderflower liqueur and sparkling water — complements the honeysuckle and floral character. For something more ambitious, use it as the base in a French 75 variation substituting wine for champagne, where the grapefruit and lemongrass notes echo the cocktail's citrus foundation.

Best For

• Warm-weather patio drinking and outdoor entertaining
• Pairing with a raw bar, sushi, or ceviche dinner
• Introducing someone to high-quality California Sauvignon Blanc
• Bringing to a dinner party as a versatile, crowd-pleasing white

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dry Creek Fumé Blanc taste like? It leads with bright citrus — grapefruit, lemon, and lime — layered with passionfruit, white peach, and cucumber, carried by firm acidity and a crisp mineral finish.

How does Dry Creek Fumé Blanc compare to Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc? Both hail from Dry Creek Valley, but Ferrari-Carano partially barrel-ferments its Fumé Blanc in older oak, yielding a rounder, slightly richer texture. Dry Creek Vineyard's 100% stainless-steel approach produces a leaner, more purely fruit- and mineral-driven expression.

Is Dry Creek Fumé Blanc good for beginners? Its bright fruit character, approachable acidity, and clean finish make it an excellent entry point into Sauvignon Blanc for anyone exploring white wine.

Where is Dry Creek Fumé Blanc made? It is produced by Dry Creek Vineyard, located in the Dry Creek Valley AVA within Sonoma County, California — a region the winery helped define when founder David Stare planted the valley's first Sauvignon Blanc vines in 1972.

What foods pair well with Dry Creek Fumé Blanc? Fresh oysters and raw shellfish match the wine's minerality and acidity. Goat cheese salad echoes the tangy, herbal notes. Grilled white fish with citrus sauce mirrors the grapefruit and lemon character. Thai green curry complements the lemongrass and ginger on the finish. Ceviche connects naturally with the wine's bright acidity and tropical fruit.

What sizes does Dry Creek Fumé Blanc come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Dry Creek Fumé Blanc worth the price? It positions as a value-driven, mid-range California Sauvignon Blanc that consistently delivers complexity beyond its price tier — the tri-clone blend and whole-cluster pressing give it a sophistication not always found in comparably priced bottles.

Why Dry Creek Fumé Blanc?

Dry Creek Vineyard did not simply adopt the Fumé Blanc style — it pioneered it in this corner of Sonoma County, planting the valley's first Sauvignon Blanc vines over fifty years ago. The 2023 vintage showcases the payoff of that heritage: a tri-clone blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musqué, and Sauvignon Gris, whole-cluster pressed and fermented exclusively in stainless steel to preserve every ounce of varietal character. The result is a wine that balances tropical richness with mineral-driven acidity in a way that rewards both casual sipping and serious food pairing. Among California Fumé Blancs at this price point, few carry the same combination of regional authority and winemaking precision.