Goldback Wines, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Chenin Blanc 2020

 Chenin Blanc continues to be one of the most under-appreciated wines, but here is one that reminds you it can be an attractive, complete, food-friendly dry white.  From a mature block of the Paradox Vineyard north of Ashland, the grapes were harvested in two passes at an average Brix of 22.0.  One of the winemaker’s goals is to retain natural acidity.  Though stats are sometimes too nerdy, in this case the moderate 3.5 pH in the finished wine speaks volumes.  The wine offers vibrant apple fruit in a medium-bodied style.  It delivers crisp melon and apple flavors with a hint of jasmine and a rounded, leesy quality.  Nicely textured, it finishes with a rich, long, mouth-watering aftertaste.