2019 Napa Valley Chenin Blanc

Blend: 100% old-vine Chenin Blanc

Soil/Vineyard: Henry Ranch Vineyard – Planted circa 1960, the old Chenin Blanc vines cultivated by grape farmer Josh Anstey are remarkable – both in terms of vine architecture and the quality of fruit produced. The soil in which these head- trained, old-school vines thrive is technically referred to as “Bressa-Dibble complex,” a shallow amalgam of volcanic debris and silty clay loam on top of sandstone, overlain with a thin covering of alluvial sediment. Most importantly, the soil drains well, and has enough clay in it to hold water at depth to allow a gradual ripening of the berries.

Tasting Notes: Nose: ripe Bosc pear, litchi apple and a touch of Meyer lemon Palate: well-balanced, with notes of quince and chamomile; full on the mid-palate, with natural acidity that carries through to the lingering finish.

Vinification Process: Generous rains in March and April at the Henry Ranch provided ample soil moisture for our old vine Chenin Blanc well into the summer months. Warm June weather heralded three months of consistently mild weather, which made it a dream vintage for both the vineyard and winemaking teams. There were no periods of extreme heat to contend with, and although harvest was a bit later than usual, the crop was of generous proportions and we were grateful for the gradual ripening of our fruit. We picked during the cold early hours of September 9th , and gently pressed the whole-cluster fruit, extracting the juice in the absence of air, which helped us maintain freshness in the wine throughout fermentation. Aging in once-used French oak puncheons in a cool cellar with regular stirring of the lees built a wine with ample body and fullness.

Alcohol: 13.2%

Formats: 750ml, 6 bottles per case

Private Client $74.25/bottle Investment of $445.50 per case

Licensee: $66.08/bottle Investment of $396.48 per case