Precedent Borden Ranch Chenin Blanc 2015
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Clear, near green-gold in color with aromas of citrus, green apple and honeycomb. There is a distinct freshness and minerality to the texture. Bright acidity with medium weight, this is a classic rendition of dry Chenin Blanc that drinks well in its youth, but has enough nerve to merit some cellar time.
Born and raised in Lansing, MI, Nathan attended the University of Michigan, studying Political Science. "I thought I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father, who has been involved in state government and policy all his life. A few summers working in a cubicle scratched his political itch, and he was ready for another path. A summer spent bartending on Mackinac Island provided the proverbial "bite" from the wine bug. A year and 2000 miles later Nathan was studying and working in Sonoma County, CA. After time studying Viticulture from Sonoma legend Rich Thomas at the Santa Rosa Junior College, Nathan finished his BS in Enology at CSU Fresno.
Nathan has worked for multiple wineries in Northern California (Benzinger, Frick, Schug and Testarossa) and spent time working for the famed Torbreck Winery in the Barossa Valley of Australia. He is currently the Associate Winemaker at Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains where he has focused on bringing new energy to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay program.
Not all vineyards are created equal and Nathan has a keen eye for finding the magical combination of variety, climate and soil. He believes the first step in any winemaking endeavor is to seek out these unique sites, often found outside of the more famous regions of California (Napa, Russian River, etc.). "There are a lot of vineyards planted in heavy soils in some of the more famous appellations in California; they get by on name alone, rather than quality." He often seeks rocky and well drained sites with climates on the marginal side for the given variety.
Native yeasts, whole cluster fermentations, minimal sulfur and the judicious use of well seasoned French Oak are some of the techniques used. "I am looking to create authentic wines that taste of a particularly special place." Precedent is Nathan's first independent effort.
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.
Originally a source of oenological sustenance for gold-seeking miners of the mid-1800s, the Sierra Foothills was the first region in California to produce wines from European grape varieties. Located between Sacramento and the Nevada border, this area’s immigrant settlers chose to forgo growing the then-ubiquitous Mission grape and instead brought with them superior vines from the Old World to plant alongside mining camps.
Zinfandel has been the most important variety of this region since its inception, taking on a spicy character with brambly fruit and firm structure. Amador and El Dorado counties, benefiting from the presence of volcanic and granite soils, are home to the best examples. Bold, robust Rhône Blends and Barbera are also important regional specialties.