2017 Lang & Reed Chenin Blanc Mendocino

This 2017 Chenin Blanc from Mendocino is the fourth vintage from vineyards located in Mendocino County in Northern California.   The inspiration remains the Loire Valley in France, where Chenin Blanc gained its fame.  The source for this bottling comes from a region in Mendocino referred to as the ‘Talmage Bench.’  The vineyard, located on the east side of the Russian River in an area that has excelled in growing Chenin Blanc for many years, was planted in 1980 on a gentle, north-facing  slope  with  excellent  aspect  that  allows  for  great  drainage  and  even  ripening  without  too  much  heat  accumulation.     This  wines  vinification  is  a  collaborative  effort  between  John  and  son,  Reed.    Reed  has  had  his  hand  in  making white wine on three continents - Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand, Chardonnay in Napa Valley and Chenin Blanc in Chinon, France.  For this wine, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed, left to settle for a day, and then transferred into 13  barrels,  two  of  which  were  stainless  steel  and  the  balance  being  seasoned  French  oak.   Half  of  the  barrels  were  inoculated  with  selected  yeast  strains,  while  the  other  half  were  allowed  to  ferment  on  the  indigenous  yeast.    The lees  were stirred bi-weekly until two weeks before bottling in early March.  The final assemblage proved greater than any of the individual barrels.

Description: Our Lang & Reed 2017 Chenin Blanc – Mendocino has a white peach flash of aroma that expands to include scents of fresh apple and linden blossom. The flavors are equally expressive, with peach and stone fruit flavors and a healthy hint of honeycomb. The finish is extremely brisk with keen acidity but yet with a lingering texture that bodes well for additional complexity with some cellar time. At this stage this is a perfect wine for spring afternoons and summer evenings, paired with light cheeses and summer fare as well as opened for gatherings of good friends.

Varietal Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc

Appellation100% Mendocino – Talmage Bench

Alcohol Content 13.50% by Volume

Total Acidity 0.56g/100mLpH3.33

Residual Sugar0.44g/100mL

Cooperage: French Oak & Stainless Steel Barrels – 5 Months

Case Production375 Cases (12 x 750mL)

Bottling Date: March 16th, 2018

Label Design: Jeanne Greco, Caffe Greco Design, New York

Release Date: May Day – May 1st, 2018