Pine Ridge winery was the first CA winery to develop this blend (80% chenin blanc and 20% viognier) several years ago and the 2007 is excellent. It is a medium bodied wine with nice pear, melon and citrus aromas and pear, green apple and citrus taste. There is a hint of grapefruit on the back with nice refreshing acidity. This is a great dry wine for a salad, or main course of pork or an asian inspired dish. We served it with a Thai curry dish and it stood up well. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this a 90 point rating. I may have to go slightly higher. This is a $10-$12 wine that is better than some of the $20-$25 wines I have had. We highly recommend this wine, especially at this price.
You have found one of my favorite summer white wines! The Pine Ridge is just what you describe.
ReplyDeleteThe chenin blanc is sourced, I believe, from the Clarksburg region on the California Delta.
I don't know who thought of planting it there first but for me it is one of the best mirco-climates to grow the grape outside of the Loire Valley. The viognier adds the icing to the cake with this wine.
Great reviews! I look forward to seeing more.
Namaste'
I am always on the lookout for California white blends. This sounds like one I should not miss.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Buddhist Conservative, thanks for your insight into the Clarksburg region. This is a unknown region with great wine. I will be reviewing French and Italian wines in the coming weeks. Welcome to my amateur blog.
ReplyDeleteJoe, I am not a big CA white fan, with the exception of the Pine Ridge and Girard wines. Another white that you might want to try is the Arger-Martucci Viognier from Napa. I will have to branch out and try some more from CA.
ReplyDelete