Chalone Estate Chenin Blanc 2018
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Wilfred
Wong
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The 2018 vintage was highlighted by its moderate growing season and average rainfall, resulting in grapes with extra hang time. Cooperative weather during the flowering stage increased fruit yields and created crisp refreshing wines with wonderfully ripe flavors. Originally planted in 1919, this wine captures both the terroir and the long history of the Chalone Vineyards. It is a delightful blend of fresh squeezed orange juice, and ripe cantaloupe with a wet stone minerality.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Chalone Vineyard Estate Chenin Blanc is an excellent example of the Loire Valley grape variety. While the wine has changed from its formerly bone-dry style, it has maintained a palate-pleasing presence. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers ripe citrus, savory spices, and a hint of chalkiness in its aromas and flavors. Enjoy its rounded textures and focused presence with Hamachi and red tuna nigiri sashimi. (Tasted: September 24, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
The Chalone Estate Vineyard is one of the most remarkable winery properties in California, and the sole winery within the Chalone AVA. The vineyard was planted in 1919, with the production under the Chalone Vineyard brand beginning in 1960.
Chalone wines speak to the unique terroir of this wild, isolated and high-elevation mountain plateau in Monterey County, located adjacent to the Pinnacles National Monument. The wines reflect a unique character that is attributed to the area’s granitic and limestone soils as well as the large daily diurnal shifts, ultimately resulting in wines with distinct minerality and balance between ripe fruit character and bright acidity.
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.
Located in the Gabilan Mountains east of the fertile Salinas Valley, Chalone is named for the nearby Chalone peaks and produces fine Chardonnay and Pinot noir, among others.