• Archive: USA: California: Chenin Blanc

    Ballentine Vineyards 2004 Chenin Blanc Napa Valley Old Vines ($14). Peachy and juicy and lush, with some acidity that helps balance the off-dry character. A nice surprise at a good price. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 06/05)

    Callaway 1998 Chenin Blanc ($7ish). I spent Easter weekend with my parents in Dallas, Texas, and took this opportunity to introduce my mom to Chenin Blanc, a fruity wine that meets her sugartooth requirement without the cloying sweetness of White Zin. Fortified with Easter ham and biscuit sandwiches, the Pegster took the plunge Sunday night with this California Chenin Blanc, a recent Gold Medal Winner in this year’s Dallas Morning News Wine Competition. Light and imminently drinkable, this wine has a new convert. Welcome to the fold, Peggy. (Weekend Wine, 04/00)

    Casa Nuestra

    2007 Dry Chenin Blanc Napa Valley Home Vineyard Old Vines ($24). Offers a touch of citrus leaf aromas that introduce crisp citrus, green apple and pretty melon fruit flavors that stay bright and crisp through the finish, picking up a touch of orange zest at the very end. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2001 Dry Chenin Blanc Napa Valley St. Helena Estate ($16). Gentle tropical fruit aromas and flavors, laced with honeysuckle and slight mineral notes. Medium bodied, with good balance and a lingering, clean finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Fantastic with cold, boiled shellfish or a raw bar. (Winery Spotlight, 04/03)

    Hogue 2003 Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley ($8). Juicy tangerine, lemon and nectarine balance sweet, aromatic pear and honey notes. Refreshing. Just off-dry and a nice match for spicy Asian food or summer salads. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/05)

    Pine Ridge 1998 Chenin Blanc – Viognier ($10). Excellent with “Chicken Mexicana.” This chicken dish was prepared with a spicy chili powder and onion sauce with a touch of cream. It was a great match for the refreshing, slightly sweet tasting, Chenin Blanc – Viognier blend. It’s not that the wine is actually a sweet wine, it’s just that the tropical fruit tastes and dash of Viognier in the blend give it that sweet fruit note. Great with spicy dishes. (Weekend Wine, 04/00)

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