Ballentine Vineyards Chenin Blanc Napa Valley Pocai Vineyard 2009

Quite nice, lemony citrus with a nice minerality. I had this as an aperitif and then with a light soup -- goes best with a little food. Perhaps that's because of the 14.5% ABV.

This is a Gold Medal Wine Club-Gold Series selection from Novemeber '08. The Ballentine 2007 Old Vines Chenin Blanc was harvested from the Pocai Vineyard, which has been exclusively farmed by the Pocai and Ballentine families for over 100 years. The Chenin Blanc was planted in the 1970s, making it one of the oldest single vineyards of the grape still standing in Napa Valley. Ballentine’s single vineyard Chenin Blancs have consistently brought rave reviews and critical acclaim, and the 2007 vintage is no exception, with a notable 90 Point score from Wine & Spirits magazine. This Chenin Blanc has very complex and classic flavors of peaches, pears, citrus blossoms, honeysuckle, apple, lemon and lime. Crisp, clean, and fruit forward, the 2007 Chenin Blanc is refreshing with a full and silky texture. On the palate, the wine has zesty citrus characters with notes of peaches, melons, and floral blossoms that are accentuated by slight vanilla qualities in the finish. An extremely food friendly wine, try pairing the Ballentine 2007 Chenin Blanc with grilled or friend seafood, chicken with creamy sauces, and spicy Asian cuisine. 100% Chenin Blanc. Enjoy now until 2012. Visit http://www.goldmedalwine.com/newsletters/gold_series/newsletter_140.php to get more info about the winery or for recipe pairings.

Light yellow color with a tight nose. A little green apple aroma. Crisp and acidic with a minerality and a lemon/citrus burst on the palate.

Pretty inexpensive, crisp clean wine with subtle tones of peaches pears and citrus. Great with light fare.

Three and a half glasses