Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier 2024

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the heart of Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, California's Pine Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1978 and is part of the Crimson Wine Group, which also includes Seven Hills, Segheso, Chamisal, and other brands. Today, the estate owns approximately 160 acres of vineyards (including 42 acres in the Stags Leap District) spread across Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, and Carneros. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier is an original blend of mostly Chenin Blanc, produced by the winery for over 25 years and initially conceived as an experiment. Its success with both the public and critics has made it one of Pine Ridge Vineyards' most beloved wines, thanks in part to its freshness and versatility with food. The Chenin grapes come from Clarksburg, while the Viognier is sourced from Lodi. After an early harvest and fermentation in stainless steel, the wine rests in stainless steel before bottling. The result is a lively and expressive wine with intense aromas of melon, lime, and kiwi, followed by hints of honeysuckle, jasmine, and other white flowers. Delicious exotic and citrus notes are also evident on the palate. It is lean, balanced, and refreshing, with a good structure derived from the Chenin Blanc and a long finish that recalls delicate notes of sweetness. It is excellent as an aperitif, with Asian cuisine, and with Chicken Caesar salad.