Belle Blanc 2021

TASTING NOTES

This new take on our classic Rhône blend offers lovely aromas of pear, stone fruit, violet, and passion fruit. Herbes de Provence and a stony minerality fill the rounded palate. The addition of Bourboulenc lengthens the finish while emphasizing body and texture on the mid-palate. This is a true Châteauneuf-du-Pape white that will continue to harmonize over time.

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 Château de Beaucastel Winery in the Châteauneuf-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

This wine is Sue’s homage to the white Châteauneuf-du-Pape she fell in love with years ago. All of our grapes are hand-picked and immediately whole cluster pressed to capture their fresh, flavorful character. We harvest early in the morning to retain acidity, providing vibrancy to 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 then sur lie aged in tank with periodic stirring until bottling.

BEST OF CLASS – 94 pts.

2023 American Fine Wine Competition

DOUBLE GOLD Medal – 95 pts.

2022 International Women’s Wine Competition