Aperture Chenin Blanc 2021
(North Coast, California) - [WA 94] [WS 91] [JD 90] [WE 90]

Winery Notes: 
Winery Notes- Our 2021 Chenin Blanc is a vibrant and bright wine, coming from old vines planted in the 1940’s. It is a product of its rich clay loam soils and colder, brisk nights that are made possible by the Delta Breeze coming in off the San Francisco Bay.

Notes:
The 2021 Chenin Blanc fruit was night-harvested from the cool Clarksberg AVA on the Sacramento River. Jesse incorporated 80% stainless-steel barrels and 20% neutral French oak barrels for the 2021 vintage. Once it was transferred to barrel, the wine was placed in the cold barrel room to keep the fermentation cool and slow, maintaining freshness and bright aromatics. As the wine slowly fermented for an additional 3 weeks in barrel, Jesse topped and stirred each barrel weekly. The wine stayed in those same barrels for 6 months before bottling.

APPELLATION
Clarksburg

VARIETAL
Chenin Blanc

BARREL PROGRAM
Aged 6 Months
75% stainless-steel barrels
20% neutral French oak
5% cement tank

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Chenin Blanc was matured in stainless steel and 20% used oak for six months. It has very pretty scents of white peach, honeysuckle, beeswax, biscuit and green herbs. The palate is silky, mouthwatering and surprisingly gregarious with intense, nutty fruit and a long, elegant finish. Generous yet structured, the Aperture Chenin Blanc is getting better every year, and this 2021 is worthy of 3-5+ years in bottle. 3,294 cases produced." - Erin Brooks (Mar 2023)

91 Points -Wine Spectator:
"Intense and succulent, with lemon curd, passionfruit, apricot preserves and fresh, vibrant acidity. Shows a note of sea salt that adds to the succulence, with a fleshy, juicy body. Drink now. 1,277 cases made." - MW (Apr 2023)

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Chenin Blanc has highly floral aromas of cherry blossom, melon and saline minerality. It is ripe and juicy on the palate, with notes of Anjou pear and candied lemon. This is a charming expression with a vibrant personality to drink over the next 2-3 years." - Audrey Frick (Aug 2022)

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Initial aromas of this wine recall lemon, lime and citrus zest complemented by floral chamomile, nasturtium nectar, orange blossom and a hint of flaky pastry. Racy acidity keeps the fruits fresh and forward on the palate, while a slight phenolic grip adds textural intrigue. This well-balanced, versatile and light wine can easily be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of dishes." - Stacey Briscoe (Dec 2022)