The Independent Chenin Blanc - Clean And Classy

BULK BUY!

Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg, California.

Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself.

13.1% Alcohol"

While Chenin Blanc from California may not be the most popular white wine choice from California, we've been quite impressed with what we've tasted recently. So impressed, in fact, that the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier that we reviewed as part of this year's Trader Joe's series sits atop our current list of the Top 10 White Wines Under $20.

The Pine Ridge, which we adored, is not 100% Chenin Blanc however -- it adds in 20% Viognier from Lodi. And whenever I try that wine I find myself wondering just what it would taste like if it was 100% Chenin Blanc. Today's wine probably comes pretty close.

The Independent Chenin Blanc from Club W comes from winemaker Chris Condos, who just so happened to have spent time at Pine Ridge. When Chris signed on with Club W to make his very own Chenin Blanc where do you suppose he went? To the very same block of the very same vineyard he was harvesting when he was at Pine Ridge in 1995. Let's check out the result.

The 2013 The Independent Wilson Vineyard Chenin Blanc begins with light, pleasant aromas of citrus, green apple and just a touch of tropical fruit. Tasting shows lots of delicious fruit with great depth of flavor - tangy citrus, melon, green apple and pineapple all last well into the mouthwatering and very long finish. In addition this easy to drink wine features a wonderful, full mouthfeel, lively acidity and even some light mineral notes. Excellent and extremely tasty!