Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Fleshy orange blossom, melon, peach and Meyer lemon accents have details of honeycomb, spice and a firm edge of minerality on the finish of this white. Drink now.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
It may be true that 2020 presented myriad problems to growers and vintners in many parts of the state, but this lovely wine is a reminder that generalized vintage assessments in California are never a good idea. Though still an absolute baby in its early stages of development, it displays a little more richness than is typcially found in the winery’s Mendocino offerings, and its vibrant, very dry flavors of green apples and melons are laced with complexing elements of minerals and wet stones.
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.
A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.