Belle Blanc 2022

TASTING NOTES

Our take on a classic Rhône blend offers lovely aromas of white blossoms, peach core, kaffir lime, petrichor (smell after a summer rain), and pine needles. Both in texture and taste, honey characteristics round out the palate. Roussanne’s textbook phenolic profile can be seen on the finish. This is a true Chateauneuf-du-Pape blend that will continue to harmonize over time. This wine pairs well with citrus salads, pork, chicken, croque monsieur, and buttery dishes.

VINEYARD NOTES

This is all estate fruit located in the Mokelumne River AVA of the Lodi Appellation. Our grape clones are Tablas Creek cuttings from the famed Chateau du Beaucastel Winery in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC. Our climate is very similar to that of the Southern Rhône with cool nighttime Delta breezes whipping through the nearby Mokelumne River. This allows our fruit to retain an excellent balance of acidity and fruit characteristics.

WINEMAKER NOTES

All of our grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and immediately whole cluster pressed to capture their fresh, flavorful character. We harvest early in the morning for acidity retention, providing vibrancy in the wine. The juice is fermented cool in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to highlight the pure fruit expressions. Blended post-fermentation, this wine is sur lie aged in tank with periodic stirring until bottling.

DOUBLE GOLD Medal

2024 American Fine Wine Competition