2014 SAINI VINEYARDS DRY CREEK VALLEY CHENIN BLANC

Release Date: Summer 2015

Production: 625 cases

Vineyard: After years of searching for just the right Chenin Blanc to work with, I found what I was looking for in the 33-year-old vines of Saini Farms in Dry Creek Valley. Planted in sandy loam soils on an old river bottom site, these dry-farmed vines produce grapes that capture the fresh, enticing purity that can be achieved when Chenin Blanc is grown with care and respect.

Harvest: Though drought conditions continued in 2014, perfectly timed spring rains provided just enough moisture for Saini’s dry-farmed, old Chenin Blanc vines. While it was overall a hot year, with no significant heat events, the grapes ripened perfectly while retaining excellent acidity. We harvested our Chenin Blanc on September 5th, at 21.1° Brix.

Fermentation: 50% of the grapes underwent skin contact prior to pressing. The remaining grapes were whole-cluster pressed. The wine was fermented cold in stainless steel for approximately a month until complete dryness. 

Cellar Notes: The wine was transferred to neutral French oak for six months of aging on fine lees, blended in tank, and bottled in April 2015.

Technical Notes:

Alcohol: 13.1

pH: 3.32

Total acid: 7.4 g/l

Malolactic fermentation: 12%

Tasting Notes: Like being transported to a spring meadow, this lovely wine displays enticing aromas of chamomile, lemon verbena, thyme and zesty citrus. On the long, refreshing palate, excellent natural acidity and wet gravel minerality bring beautiful energy to the wine, carrying flavors of green apple and Anjou pear to a bright, focused finish.

Vision: In many ways, it is only fitting that the centerpiece of my winemaking efforts is a bone-dry Chenin Blanc. 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 varietal. To make this wine, I sought out the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in Dry Creek Valley. In the winery, I strive to be true to the varietal and craft a fresh, lively wine with the ability to complement an array of modern cuisine.