Update: Chateau St. Jean, established in 1973, is currently owned by Australia's Beringer-Blass Wine Estates.

The 1998 vintage of its Sonoma County Fumé Blanc was rated with a score of "92" by Epicurean Magazine (February/March 2000 edition) and was described gas having "crisp acidity" and "a velvety texture," It was regarded, in its price range, to be a "Fabulous Value."

Consumption up-to-and-through 2003 was recommended. This wine is peaking now, so you may want to consider purchasing more recent releases.


Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Fumé Blanc, 1998


Alcohol:  13.0% by volume.

Production:  A portion of this wine was fermented and aged in French and American oak; the rest in steel tanks. It was produced from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc grapes and a smaller portion of Semillon grapes harvested from the Alexander and Russian River Valleys of Sonoma. Approximately 20,500 cases of this wine was produced.

Appearance:  Light yellow color; clear and bright.

Aroma:  Grassy citrus, yellow grapefruit, fig and oak.

Flavor:  Described as having an herbally-tinged citrus and melon flavor with a touch of oak figginess.

Price and Availability:  Originally retailed for $9-to-$10 per 750 ml bottle. Current release price for the 2001 vintage is $9.99 at Beverages and More (www.bevmo.com).

Recommendations:  Wine Spectator Magazine selected this wine as a "Wine of the Day" selection in April 2000.
Verdict:  Rated 87 points by Wine Spectator, I give it 4-stars.

See my review of the 1999 vintage here.



Recommended: Yes

Year: 1998
Winery Name: Chateau St. Jean
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Designation: Alexander and Russian River Valleys of Sonoma
Country: USA
State or Region: California
County or Appellation: Sonoma County
Price: 10.00
Wine Rating Scale: A solid performer