Inglenook Blancaneaux 2021
(Rutherford, California) - [JS 95] [JD 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Produced since 1999 as a partner to Rubicon, Inglenook’s premier red wine, Blancaneaux is a blend of three estate-grown white Rhône varieties. Marsanne and Roussanne contribute body and minerality, while Viognier adds intense aromas of tropical fruits. These varieties are grown in vineyard blocks that enjoy full morning sun but are in the cooling shadow of Mount St. John by mid-afternoon.

Sharing its name with one of The Family Coppola hideaway hotels in Belize, Blancaneaux–-meaning “white waters” in French––is deservedly Inglenook’s preeminent white wine. From its first vintage in 1999 through to its 2002 vintage, Blancaneaux used to incorporate the features of Chardonnay along with three varietals of the Rhône Valley––Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne–-but since 2003 the blend consists solely of those three Rhône varietals in proportions that best suit the overall expression. Like Rubicon, Blancaneaux doesn’t describe any one grape personality but speaks volumes about the Inglenook terroir that contributes to its range of nuanced flavors, dense palate, and mix of aromatic interests.

2021 Vintage Notes: The 2021 vintage began with January and February rains, providing ample soil moisture in time to ensure a healthy bud break. Throughout the rest of the season, excellent conditions created gradual ripening of our white Rhône grapes. All three varieties, beginning with Viognier and ending with Roussanne, were hand-harvested at perfect maturity over a 10-day period, beginning on August 23rd. Practicing organic farming since the 1980s, Inglenook was one of the first Napa Valley vineyards to be certified organic in 1994. Experimentation is embedded in Inglenook’s DNA, and 
within this ongoing evaluation, considerations of climate change, vine age, vintage and other factors reiterate that an estate of Inglenook’s caliber and quality is forever a workin-progress.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: The 2021 Blancaneaux, with its pale gold color, leads with aromas of honey, white peach, and pomelo. Fresh on the palate, with absolute purity of 
flavor, a lingering minerality carries the wine through a long aromatic finish. This promises to be an eminently ageable vintage. Pair Inglenook’s 2021 Blancaneaux with cheeses and charcuterie inspired by those curated by our Estate Chef, Alex Lovick and celebrate with loved ones.

Appellation Rutherford, Napa Valley 
Vineyard: Apple, Saddle
Blend: 43% Viognier, 27% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne
Alcohol: 13.1%
Barrel Regime: 8 months sur lies, 55% SS, 23% New French Oak, 22% Neutral French Oak
Bottled: June 202

95 Points - James Suckling:
"This is a fantastic white with white peaches, honeysuckle, crushed stone, and mustard flower. Full and fresh with beautiful fruit and firm phenolics that give excellent texture. Some acacia. Lemon rind. Dried fruits at the end. 43% viognier, 27% marsanne, and 30% roussanne. Drink or hold." (April 2023)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"An interesting blend of 43% Viognier, 27% Marsanne, and 30% Roussanne, the 2021 Blancaneaux has impressive stone fruits, hints of toasted notes, and white flowers to go with medium-bodied richness, a layered, texture mouthfeel, good acidity, and outstanding length." (December 2023)