Chenin Blanc: A Great Find in Napa Valley!
TBD Wind
Crafted by Sean Capiaux and made into 100% Chenin Blanc
In my studies, I had read about the beauty of this varietal. It is very versatile as it is used in still wines, sparkling wines, dry wines, and sweet wines. It is diverse in its growing areas from Europe to South Africa. It is in fact the most grown white grape in South Africa where it is sometimes called Steen. The home of this grape is thought to be the Loire Valley of France, and it has been called the “most cerebral wine” when crafted in the appellation of Savennieres located in the Loire. I did not expect to find it as a dry white wine from Napa Valley!
The wine I’m talking about is a beauty crafted by Sean Capiaux and made into 100% Chenin Blanc under the label of TBD Wine (more to come about the label). He found the vineyard of 60-year old Chenin Blanc in Pope Valley. The wine was hand-harvested and whole cluster pressed. He fermented it in concrete and one French barrel. The wine saw no malolactic fermentation which allowed the wine to retain its natural acidity. This is a wonderful wine that is sleek and smooth on the palate with green apple, citrus, and hints of honey.
There are only 47 cases of this wonderful, balanced, and refreshing white wine. The flavors sing on, and I do highly recommend enjoying this wine before it is gone. The suggested price per bottle is $27. It is rare to be able to imbibe such a well-crafted wine at this price point. Sean has been making wine for 30+ years, and this wine is representative of his skill. There is also no guarantee that this Chenin Blanc will be available next year. In Sean’s words, “The name TBD is ‘to be determined.’ Since I’ve been in the industry for 32 years, I have the opportunity and ability to source and make wines from many different sites and varietals, so I’m using my TBD label to produce and bottle lesser known wines or wines from lesser known regions that I may only do once, so every year’s bottles are TBD.”
Sean is a masterful winemaker. He has been integral to the success of O’Shaughnessy Winery and has another endeavor with his Capiaux Pinot Noir. From deep, rich mountain Cabernet, to wonderful, expressive Pinots along with beautiful, balanced white wines, this winemaker can do it all. I highly recommend that you grab some of this lovely Chenin Blanc before it is all gone.
Also, for your Pinot drinking pleasure: https://www.capiauxcellars.com/Wines/Fall-2020
Enjoy!!
