Chappellet, Napa Valley (California) Chenin Blanc 2020

 The Chappellet family is known for stellar Cabernets from their Pritchard Hill vineyard in the Napa Valley.  When Donn and Molly Chappellet bought that vineyard in 1967, among the Cabernet vines were Chenin Blanc vines.  In a recent visit with their son Cyril, I learned that at one point it was decided to remove the Chenin Blanc vines, because in Napa Valley, Cabernet is more valuable than Chenin Blanc.  They did continue making Chenin Blanc by sourcing grapes from other vineyards, but his vineyard team lead by Dave Pirio identified a parcel on the estate where Chenin Blanc was replanted.  This is a bone-dry wine with a pale golden color and aromas of peaches and pears with floral notes of chamomile.  In the mouth, flavors of peaches, pears, Meyer lemon and a touch of honeycomb are wrapped in a silky texture and lifted by vividly crisp acidity.  It has the structure and concentration for roast chicken and the fruit to play with a fish tacos.