
2023 Ernest 'Vista Verde Vineyard" San Benito County Chenin Blanc
92
Decanter
Review Date: 11/2025What a great Chenin Blanc - beautifully perfumed like magnolia flowers, with delicate, sweet, yet zesty floral notes right at the front. Sourced from the limestone soils of the Vista Verde vineyard in San Benito County, this wine feels like a study in restraint. Joseph Ryan's winemaking choices include a light press of the clusters, fermentation in neutral French oak puncheons, and a patient 18-month elevage, including six months in stainless steel before bottling. Ryan says it helps to 'tighten' the wine’s frame, focusing the fruit and refreshing the acidity after its time in wood. The high acidity supports a palate that shows a lightly viscous, slightly waxy mouthfeel with flavors of quince paste, crunchy pears, and lemon peel. While the citrus notes dominate through the finish, there's a somewhat savory, umami note at the end that grounds the floral lift. It's a wine that feels very intentional and interesting.
Previously:
$40
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Notes
Set in the limestone-rich hills of the of San Benito County, this high-elevation site offers a rare inland cool-climate pocket. Marine breezes filter through mountain gaps, slowing ripening. Shallow, gravelly loam soils over fractured limestone and calcium carbonate bring tension and lift to the fruit. Cover crops of native grasses, oats, and rye enhance soil health and biodiversity, supporting the site’s sustainable farming practices. Brilliant and pure white gold in the glass. From the limestone-laced soils of Vista Verde, this Chenin Blanc reflects the site’s cool nights and radiant days with striking freshness. Aromas of white peach, pear, lime blossom, chamomile, and granite dust rise vividly. On the palate, feijoa and citrus drive the flavor, carried by a waxy, silky texture and framed by high-toned acidity. A subtle toasted sesame note completes the finish, lending depth to the wine’s crystalline profile. The result is a vibrant, mineral-driven Chenin Blanc of elegance and energy.
Product Details
Origin: Monterey/Carmel Valley, California, United States
Type/Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Alcohol Content: 13.2%
SKU: #2031571

