L'Ecole No. 41 Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2017 (750ML)

91 VM / 91 JS

(from four old vineyards in Yakima, planted in 1978 and 1979; done entirely in stainless steel): Pale, bright yellow. Lovely lift to the aromas and flavors of orange, lemon, ginger, shiso leaf and flowers. Dense but racy wine with a cooler note of pink grapefruit and a suggestion of botrytis (but just two grams per liter residual sugar). Turns more citrussy and dry on the dusty, building back end. This should age well on its sound acidity. (Clubb noted that he has never acidified his Chenin Blanc because this fruit comes in last, with the highest natural acidity.) Really terrific texture and fruit here, in the style of a just off-dry Vouvray. I'd like to come back to this impressive wine in a couple years. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

A fresh and clean chenin with aromas and flavors of sliced apples and lemons. Medium-bodied, dry and firm. Shows crispness and brightness. Drink now. - James Suckling

"This fresh and vibrant Chenin Blanc shows highly expressive aromatics of pink grapefruit, passion fruit and orange blossom, with flavors of lychee, tangerine and apple on a balanced, crisp mineral finish." - Winery