The 2023 Chenin Blanc Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines is creamy, layered and super-expressive. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and sage are some of the notes that inform this resonant, deep Chenin. Aging in 500-liter neutral oak barrels works so well here. This structured white from own-rooted vines planted in 1966 is one of the most unique wines in all of Santa Barbara.
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2024)
Old Vine Chenin Blanc from Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard was planted in 1966; a variety is scarcely grown in the region. The grapes are hand-harvested before the whole cluster is pressed and allowed to age five months in primarily 500L French oak barrels. This slow and gentle vinification process preserves primary fruit flavours of ripe apple, orange, and pineapple, balanced by mouth-puckering acidity.
91 points, Vanessa Rason, Decanter (Jun 2024)
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