Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Nikki Callaway says she is talking to the chenin blanc, trying to see what it wants to be. So far her style has kept it super fresh and clean – one I happen to like - but the purists seem to think it should have more weight and presence long into the glass. Maybe so, but the 2015 has a bright attack of lemon, grass and melons that work well with its creamy textures. Not quite as skinny as last year but there is more sauvignon blanc, ten percent here versus the nine in the 2014 blend. The grapes were whole-bunch pressed followed by cold fermentation, 85 percent in stainless steel tanks and 15 percent in 2-year-old French oak barrels, and for the first time, two 500-litre puncheons. Pretty tasty out of the gate with seafood, but if you can wait give it three to five years under screwcap.Tasted: 18 October 2016Tasted by: Prices:
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrisp, tight and bright, this lean and narrow chenin reflects more than the 10 percent of sauvignon blanc that is tilted into the blend. Whole bunch press before heading to 85/15 stainless and a mix of French oak barrel and larger puncheons, this is bright lemon, grass, greengage, tangerine, melon and a very fine layer of creamy lees along the bottom. The finish is somewhat disjointed at this point, but being chenin, expect an evolution. A big style departure from their memorable chenins of previous vintages, this reminds me more of sauvignon blanc trying to imposter as chenin. I would love to see more of the characterful chenin in the future (as in the past).Tasted: 23 August 2016Tasted by: Prices:
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