Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc – Viognier

Brand-new release of this unique refresher: a blend of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier. It’s something you’d never see in France, admits the responsible party at Pine Ridge, but then again, a mere 12% alcohol is something you don’t see much in California, either. Bottled with a convenient Stelvin cap, priced at a why not point, this also happens to be a five-vintage, 90-point favorite of Robert Parker, who last praised it in 2011: This delicious 65000-case blend of 79% Chenin Blanc and 21% Viognier was aged in stainless steel. (I never knew there was this much Chenin Blanc grown in California!) It exhibits a big, sweet nose of ripe melons, white peaches and apricots as well as crisp acids and a crunchy, succulent mouthfeel. Sir, there are 58000 acres of Chenin Blanc in California–more than the total vineyard acreage of the Napa Valley, true fact–and they’re waiting to be rediscovered.