Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier 2022
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James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
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Winemaker Notes
Crisp, bright, and vivacious! The Chenin aromatics bring citrus characters of lime, orange blossom, honey suckle, ginger, and melon. The viognier aromatics tend to be a little heavier on stone fruit of nectarine and peach with hints of floral characters. The mouthfeel is clean, crisp with no oak or malolactic fermentation. The slight residual sugar and acid are in balance to add some mouthfeel but still create a crisp finish.
This versatile wine pairs well with a number of dishes, from light salads to seafood, and most notably with foods with a hint of spiciness - its subtle sweetness provides balance alongside a touch of heat. It’s the perfect pour for the start of an evening with appetizers such as goat cheese, radishes, and olives. Also try with a flavorful Thai curry, a frittata with sweet onions and ricotta, or a shrimp and avocado tostada.
Blend: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Attractive aromas of mangoes, papayas, baked apples and custard. Deliciously tropical and fleshy, with a medium to full body and a juicy, fruity finish. 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier.
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Wine Spectator
Distinctive, aromatic and refreshing, this juicy white has hints of Fuji apple, lime zest, honeysuckle and chamomile, plus a core of ripe peach, apricot and melon. The mouthwatering finish reveals vivid acidity. Chenin Blanc and Viognier.
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Founded in 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards sits in the heart of the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, tucked beneath of ridge of pines that speak to the dramatic geologic origins of our home and unique soils. For over 40 years the winery has become a pioneer farming and vinifying Bordeaux grapes with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Pine Ridge Vineyards farms a collection of 160 acres of Napa Green sustainably certified estate vineyards across Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain and Carneros, including 47 acres in the Stags Leap District.
The winery’s Chenin Blanc + Viognier bottling started out as an experimental blend over twenty-five years ago and is now one of the most beloved and highly acclaimed white wines available. Original and unique, this fresh white wine blend is crafted to be fresh, fruity and easy to pair and enjoy. The wine has also inspired a Pine Ridge Sparkling wine also made with Chenin Blanc and a splash of Viognier.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
The vineyards just inland from the Sacramento River Delta, along the deep banks of the Sacramento River, comprise the Clarksburg AVA. The River Delta channels in cold air and fog from the Pacific Ocean creating a cooling effect in this area. Warm summer days quickly change to chilly evenings and make a great environment for grape growing. While a range of grape varieties grow here, Chenin blanc stands out the most, distinguishing itself in the appellation.
The Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, made up of nearly 50 grower members and over a dozen wineries, has been working since the late 1980s to promote the high quality wine of its region.