2021 Chenin Blanc

Chenin blanc was planted on our site in the early 1980s by Barden Stevenot but by the time we took over stewardship of the ranch in 2013 it was no longer in the vineyard. With the intention of re-forging a link to this chapter in RHV’s history, we obtained cuttings of Chenin blanc from the Story Vineyard in Amador County, whose vines were planted in the late 1970s. These cuttings reintroduced Chenin blanc to the ranch in the winter of 2014 into Block 1, whose steep slope faces RHV’s largest limestone outcrop.

Chenin became hugely popular to plant in California after WWII. This is because it loves to throw a big crop and retains a healthy dose of acidity through the warm summer months. It was typically used for blending into inexpensive table wines and by the 1970’s was the most widely planted grape in California! However, soon after the infamous Judgment of Paris, Chardonnay quickly rose in popularity and Chenin blanc vines were swiftly replaced to meet the demands of consumer preference. It wasn’t until the late 2000’s when the grape started to reappear but in much more serious examples with impressive complexity and ageability. We have now been making Chenin for over 20 years!

At vintage, the fruit was hand-picked and given pigeage before pressing. Our approach in the cellar with the Chenin blanc is very simple, in order to allow the character of the site and variety take precedence: fermentation occurred in neutral 227L barrique, the wine total of 3 years elevage, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. As with all Forlorn Hope wines, no new oak is utilized, and nothing was added to the must or wine (no cultured yeast, ML bacteria, water, tartaric acid, enzymes, nutrients, etc) with the exception of minimal effective SO2.

There is a purity to this wine that is unmistakably Chenin blanc. Aromas of bright citrus and lanolin are laid over a taut framework of acidity; on the palate flavors of lemon mochi, yellow apple skins, and salted beignets.