2018 Chenin Blanc, Peaberry, Mendocino County

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Release Date: Spring 2019

Production: 125 cases

Vineyard: This wine comes from a vineyard located in the Southern-eastern hills of Ukiah. Planted in the mid-1970s on a gentle slope in Pinole gravelly loam soils, the sites old Chenin Blanc vines yield tiny, beautifully concentrated berries - thus the name Peaberry.

Harvest: The 2018 growing season produced another exceptional vintage, wet spring followed by mild summer allowed the grapes to mature slowly without heat stress. Though yields were above normal, quality was very good. The healthy canopies maintained a high acidity level. Further to preserve the high natural acidity that defines this wine, we picked our Peaberry Chenin Blanc on September 19th at 20.3 Brix. 

Fermentation: The grapes were whole - cluster pressed to tank for cold settling. Then juice was racked to neutral French oak and Acacia barrels for fermentation using spontaneous yeast. 

Cellar Notes: The wine was aged for five months and complete spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. This wine was bottled without the use of sulphur, in March of 2019. 

Technical Notes:
Alcohol: 12.0%
pH: 3.28
Total acid: 7.0 g/l
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%

Tasting Notes: This wine displays lovely aromas of green apple, honeysuckle and subtle notes thyme & lemon peel. The aromas are echoed on the palate, where they mingle with savory elements of almond skin and sea salt. While a hint of creaminess on the palate helps to balance the acidity, this is a wine that is defined by its acidity, nerve and focus. Due to this natural style of winemaking this wine will have a slight hazy to the appearance. 

Vision: In many ways, it is only fitting that the centerpiece of my winemaking efforts are Chenin Blancs. Steen is my family’s middle name, and it is also the South African word for Chenin Blanc. I have long been fascinated by this sleek and elegant variety. Our Peaberry Chenin Blanc is my version of a natural wine. Picked at very low Brix, it is a rustic, low alcohol expression of the grape that will pair beautifully with an array of cuisines.