Page 96 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND
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In the Pacific North-
west, Oregon and Wash- Recent Finds
ington have limited Chenin Fine $14 Sonoma value 2023 Dry Creek
Blanc acreages, but pro- Vineyard Chenin Blanc Dry Clarksburg (To-
ducers craft distinctive tal Wine). Sharp, light-mid green gold, low
wines that reflect their viscosity (12.5 alc.); green fruit, pear, per-
unique terroirs. Oregon simmon nose; low-mid acids; mid depth;
tends to favor more acidic, short, easy-sipping pear and green fruit
leaner styles. With its finish. 15/88.
warmer climate, Washing- $16 South African value (Total Wine)
ton typically produces a 2024 Blaauwklippen Chenin Blanc. Light-
bigger, fruitier style of mid straw gold; pear, ripe fruit, honey, or-
Chenin Blanc. chard nose; low-mid acids; mid depth; long
Chenin Blanc can also semi-lush tropical orchard finish. Easy sip-
be found in smaller plant- ping (12.5 alc.) summer party wine. w/ap-
ings in other wine regions worldwide, in- petizers. 16/90.
cluding parts of Argentina, Australia, and Value $18 Chenin Blanc, Solana County,
New Zealand. While perhaps not as promi- Calif., 2022 Little x Little Mangels Vineyard,
nent as in France, South Africa, or the U.S., Suisun Valley. Sharp mid-gold, low viscosity
these regions occasionally produce good (12.5 alc.); green fruit, pear, orange peel
varietal examples, with local nuances. nose; mid+ acids; mid+ depth; semi-long
In conclusion, Chenin Blanc is a distinc- crisp green apple finish. 16/90.
tive wine worth exploring for its range of Sonoma Coast 2023 DuMOL Chenin
styles, high quality, value, and versatility Blanc ($55 winery). Sharp mid green-gold,
with foods and entertaining. From the viscous (13.5 alc.); citrus, green apple, pear
steely minerality of the Loire to the tropical nose; mid+ acids; mid+ depth; long crisp
vibrancy of South Africa and the burgeon- green apple and stone fruit finish. 16.5/91.
ing excellence of California, there is a
Chenin Blanc for almost every palate and Distinctive, lush French Chenin Blanc
occasion. So, next time you reach for your dessert wine, 2014 Château de Fesles Bon-
usual white, consider sipping beyond the nezeaux "Vin Rare" ($50, 500ml, Total
usual suspects and discover the multifac- Wine). Mid-deep gold, viscous; honey, apri-
eted delights of Chenin Blanc. Here are cot, cumin, Botrytis nose; low-mid acids;
some wines to consider. good depth; long, rich, unctuous, stone fruit
finish. 17/92.
96 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025