May 6 is International Sauvignon Blanc Day, and this widely available version from Dry Creek Vineyard is a good choice for those who want to celebrate. “Fumé blanc” is a term coined by Robert Mondavi for his sauvignon blanc, borrowing part of the name from the French sauvignon blanc appellation of Pouilly-Fumé in the Loire Valley.

   David Stare, founder of Dry Creek Vineyard, was an early adopter of the fumé blanc name, beginning in 1972. It came to represent the winery’s house style of sauvignon blanc: crisp, citrusy, a little herbaceous but not overly grassy.

   I’ve tasted this Sonoma County wine for many years, and 2022 is a particularly good vintage. It’s racy and fresh, with flavors of lemon, pink grapefruit and honeydew melon, accented by wet stone and a touch of herbaceousness. Some fumés spend time in oak, but not the Dry Creek. Still, it has a lovely, round texture. The wine retails for $20 but is often available for less.

   Dry Creek, by the way, does make a very good wine labeled as sauvignon blanc that’s slightly more expensive.