Thirty years ago, Chappellet was well known for Chenin Blanc, the wines widely considered the best California renditions of the varietal. But when the vineyard got too old, the family felt a financial pressure to plant more Cabernet and other red varietals. Now, however, they have a new Chenin vineyard, and the 2014 from it tastes simply glorious. Made in a Vouvray style, it’s slightly sweet but impeccably balanced, and offers layered fruit flavors that linger extremely long on the palate. When compared to the many other excellent Chenins on the market (especially those from South Africa) it’s not cheap, but it’s also worth every penny.
Chappellet, Napa Valley (California) Chenin Blanc 2014
By Paul Lukacs