David Girard Vineyards, Sierra Foothills (El Dorado County, California) 2022

 This white Rhône-style blend is the winery tasting room’s most popular wine, and it is easy to understand why.  It is a field blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino and Viognier, and the varieties are fermented together in stainless steel.  The winery has been making this Coda Blanc for over a dozen years from its vineyards in the Sierra Foothills.  Its 35-acre vineyard planted primarily to Rhône varieties is organically farmed.  Once poured, this 2022 is slightly spritzy and the aroma is redolent of  fresh sliced pear and citrus.  It is light and lively on the palate with flavors of melon and lime and a hint of minerality.  The finish is pleasant with a balance of acidity and sweet fruit.  A genuine crowd pleaser!