Chenin Blanc does not get the recognition it deserves, at least here in the United States. South Africa has long been the standardbearer for Chenin but here in the US, it tends to be a rather innocuous wine. However, Rhys Vineyard has solved that problem. Grown at an altitude of 900 feet above sea level, and a scant 7 miles from the Monterey Bay, this vineyard is producing cool climate fruit that is showcasing very well. The 2023 growing season in the Santa Cruz Mountains (by the way, a region that is often overlooked and under-appreciated) was a very cool growing season, therefore this wine benefited from that climate. Soft and approachable, there is a delightful viscous quality to this. It retains what Chenin should have: minerality and stone fruit overtones like plum, pear, white peach, lychee, light lemon verbena and a silky lengthy finish. For those with a technical inclination, this wine was made using native yeast, Malolactic fermentation and whole cluster pressed fruit. All of that is barrel fermented for 12 months in oak and six months in stainless steel to obtain a balance between crispness and creamy-ness. Regardless, the folks at Rhys have produced a very appealing Chenin Blanc, one that is worthy of your attention.
ORIGIN: Santa Cruz Mountains. ALCOHOL: 13.5%
