I had my personal discovery of this first-release Chenin at a wine tasting in San Francisco. Co-owned by two young men who have day jobs in wine marketing and reviews (I tasted it with co-owner Frank Ingriselli. His partner, William Kelley, reviews Burgundy for The Wine Advocate.) Using Sandlands Chenin Blanc as an inspiration, the Beau Rivage Chenin Blanc is rocky, citrus zesty and sea air-salty. I get ripe yellow grapefruit, quince and chalk, especially on the finish. The acidity sings. I really enjoyed this and am certain other lovers of Dry Chenin Blanc made in an old-world style will like it as well.
This is single vineyard Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg on the Sacramento Delta. The rocky, mineral-rich soils, intense afternoon sunshine and afternoon Delta breezes all line up to make this a very happy home for Chenin Blanc. Read more about the vineyard and the winery HERE.
