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Fort Ross Vineyard

2022 Chenin Blanc

2022 Chenin Blanc

Wine Specs
Vintage
2022
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview
Harvest Date
September 12, 2022
Aging
11 months in neutral French Oak.
Bottling Date
July 25, 2023
Add To Cart
$44.00
 
SKU: FOCBL22

The 2022 vintage marks the second release of our Fort Ross Chenin Blanc. This classic varietal thrives in a steep south facing block in the mid-elevations of our vineyard where the healthy happy vines have once again produced an exceptional wine. Delightful aromas of white peach, apple, white melon, and quince are followed by a bright acidity that adds a burst of freshness to every sip. Aging for six months in neutral French oak barrels gives added nuance and complexity to this unique Chenin Blanc with its crisp and delicate mineral finish.

Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Only our second bottling of the Fort Ross Chenin Blanc, the 2022 vintage is yet another beautiful example of an Old World variety thriving on the rugged Sonoma Coast. Vibrantly hued deep lemon core that softens to shades of straw at its rim, this wine gradually reveals itself in the glass. Aromas of ripe pear, lemon meringue, candied ginger, and crushed stone soar, and a saline edge speaks to the proximity of our vineyard to the Pacific Ocean below. On the palate, this Chenin Blanc is still California in style with a plush mouthfeel and flavors or yellow apple, melon, and subtle stone fruit that integrates seamlessly with vanilla bean and a hint of baking spice from aging in 100% neutral French oak barrels. This wine is crisp, refreshing with racy acidity, while offering complexity, texture and noticeable concentration on the palate.
Vineyard Notes
Winemaking is adapting to the never-ending trials provided by Mother Nature, and the 2022 vintage was no exception. As if a sign of things to come, a warmer end to the dormant winter season brought about an early budbreak on February 18th. Average spring temperatures promoted steady, early season vine growth, however, ill-timed rain during flowering would prove to affect overall yields come harvest. The warm, sunny days of summer on the Pacific coast provided ample time for optimum fruit development after veraison, while the chilly, ocean fueled winds kept ripeness levels in check and maintained fresh acidity in each precious berry. Harvest began with Pinot Noir on August 19th – September 7th, followed by Chardonnay on September 6th – 9th, finally Chenin Blanc and Pinotage completed the harvest on September 12th. Each hand harvested cluster is picked and transported to the winery in the cool morning hours. The final curve ball of the season occurred the first week of September, during harvest, when a heat wave increased temperatures at the coast for multiple days. Fortunately, our meticulous vineyard team diligently managed the situation. Ultimately, final yields were down considerably, however the fruit quality was excellent, with small, flavorful berries possessing exceptional concentration and complexity.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes were handpicked during the cool hours of the night in small two-gallon picking trays then hand sorted in the vineyard and gently whole cluster pressed at the winery. After pressing, the juice was put into neutral French Oak barrels and underwent primary and malolactic fermentation. The use of neutral oak allows the fruit to shine, while imparting supple texture to the wine. This wine is comprised of a single Chenin Blanc clone, that was grafted onto established rootstock on half an acre in Block 1, next to our Pinotage.
Other Notes
162 cases produced.
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2022 Chenin Blanc

Wine Specs
Vintage
2022
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview
Harvest Date
September 12, 2022
Aging
11 months in neutral French Oak.
Bottling Date
July 25, 2023
Add To Cart
$44.00
 
SKU: FOCBL22