Experimentation is at the core of The Islander Estate Vineyard’s values.  When Bordeaux winemaker Jacques Lurton fell in love with Kangaroo Island, he set a vision to create a wine brand that blended the old-world wine techniques of his home with the new-world freedom to experiment and create innovative wines unlike any other.  That spirit remains in our business today, especially in our small batch and single-release wines.

Variety:  100% Kangaroo Island Sauvignon Blanc

Inspiration: The name Fume Blanc was coined in the USA, but the style is a nod to the mineral-rich wines made from Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley of France, where they are known for having a slightly smoky perfume.

The Islander Estate Vineyards has a reputation for elegant, textural white wines. We couldn’t resist setting aside a single barrel from our 2021 vintage to develop in a Fume Blanc style – a single varietal Sauvignon Blanc with all the secondary characteristics added by oak fermentation and aging.

Production Technique: Sauvignon Blanc is hand-picked from our Haines vineyard, pressed fresh, and the free-run juice is cold settled before being transferred to seasoned French oak for wild fermentation.  The wine is racked off heavy lees before being aged in new French oak puncheons on fine lees for 18 months, building complexity and texture.

Tasting Notes: This is a textured and elegant wine.  Classic varietal notes of tropical fruit, lemongrass and sea spray are layered with secondary characteristics from oak aging like vanilla, honey, floral & toasty notes. 

Food Pairing:  Roast chicken, fish or shellfish, creamy pasta dishes.