Winemaker Notes
This wine has alluring weight and richness, a silky texture and subtle aromas of Chamomile, green apple, quince, lemon verbena and white flowers. The palate offers a medley of herbal and tea notes, as well as hints of wet riverstone minerality that carries through to a lingering almost salty finish.
After years of searching for just the right Chenin Blanc to work with, I found what I was looking for in the 37-year-old vines of Saini Farms in Dry Creek Valley. Planted in Yolo sandy loam soils on an old river bottom site, these dry-farmed vines produce grapes that capture the fresh, enticing purity that can be achieved when Chenin Blanc is grown with care and respect.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Chenin Blanc Saini Farms comes from 37-year-old vines. It fermented mostly in French oak with some concrete and aged five months on the lees. It opens with a touch of rubbery reduction, giving way to lime peel, white stone fruits, quince, creamy touches and a rocky streak. It's light to medium-bodied with lanolin and mineral notions, juicy acidity and a rounded finish. 572 cases produced. Rating: 89+
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 multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.