Winemaker Notes
Originating from the rich clay loam soils of an old vine California chenin blanc site, this brightly lifted wine gives nuanced notes of quince, apple, and stone fruits with a weighted foundation provided by a delicate barrel influence. The site itself is in Clarksburg, and benefits from naturally warm days and brisk, cool nights made possible by the “Delta Breeze” from the San Francisco Bay. These temperate gusts help create a long growing season and beautifully developed fruit.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Old-vine Chenin Blanc is grown on rich clay loam in a coastal climate, defined by the Delta Breeze coming in from the San Francisco Bay. Aged for six months in half French oak (used) and half stainless steel, it’s glassy and glossy, with white flower–kissed pears and white peach. Linen, lanolin, and lilting notes of lime and melon are charmed by a touch of toast
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lots of white peach and pineapple notes emerge from the 2019 Chenin Blanc, a juicy, lively wine that stays fresh and crisp, yet has beautiful fruit. It's ideal for drinking over the coming year or two.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Chenin Blanc, from vines planted in the 1940s in Clarksburg, has aromas of waxed apples and pears with accents of chamomile, dried herbs and a mineral note, opening up to peachy fruits on the palate, rounded and textural but very fresh and finishing uplifted. This aged half in stainless steel and half in neutral barrels.
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Wine Spectator
Impressively focused, fresh and vibrant, with a lemony core and accents of mango and orange zest. A hint of Key lime shows on the succulent, juicy frame, while details of honeycomb and spice linger on the finish.
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.
The vineyards just inland from the Sacramento River Delta, along the deep banks of the Sacramento River, comprise the Clarksburg AVA. The River Delta channels in cold air and fog from the Pacific Ocean creating a cooling effect in this area. Warm summer days quickly change to chilly evenings and make a great environment for grape growing. While a range of grape varieties grow here, Chenin blanc stands out the most, distinguishing itself in the appellation.
The Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, made up of nearly 50 grower members and over a dozen wineries, has been working since the late 1980s to promote the high quality wine of its region.