Jeremy Matthew
Barrel Sampler
Posts:2067
 | | 03/02/2003 12:02 AM |
| | I've never had a US Chenin. Althoughg I realise it is often used as a bulk variety, the Central vineyards in France have proven it is possible to produce excellent wine from this varietal. James Milltons NZ Chenin is another good example. They are often melon orientated with hints of steely acids. Are they differant from US Chenin Blanc or are good US chenins also similar to the classics of the Central Vineyards of France? | | | |
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JonesWineNo1
Sommelier
Posts:8568
| | 03/02/2003 3:14 PM |
| | "Good US Chenins" for the most part is an oxymoron. | | | |
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DukeRiley
McMinnville, OR
Barrel Sampler
Posts:2000
| | 03/02/2003 3:55 PM |
| Jones is right. About the only one worth anything at all is the Chappellet Old Vines Cuvee.
I had one about three months ago. I didn't take any organized notes (it was a luncheon) but if I recall correctly I thought the wine was pretty good (and so did everyone else). Melons, lemons, and a certain steeliness, with good concentration and balance. The WS generally rates this wine in the mid to high 80s, and that was my impression of it. It costs between $11 and $15 (I think I saw it in the Wine Club catalog for $12).
That said, this rendition doesn't come close to a good Savennieres. | |
Heater Allen Brewing
www.heaterallen.com | |
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TCK
Barrel Filler
Posts:1279
| | 03/02/2003 4:18 PM |
| | My experience with US Chenin is that they are less like Vouvray and more like White Zin. | | | |
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ChangeMe
Barrel Filler
Posts:1010
| | 03/02/2003 8:36 PM |
| Yuk.
Stick to the Loire. | | | |
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Jeremy Matthew
Barrel Sampler
Posts:2067
| | 03/04/2003 12:43 AM |
| Thank you all.
Will try Dukes recommendation for that varietal, and avoid the rest. (when I get there of coarse!) | | | |
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TBird
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Wine Connoisseur
Posts:5219
| | 03/09/2003 11:47 PM |
| | chalone makes a great chenin blanc. we drink it religiously around my household. | | | |
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TBird
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Wine Connoisseur
Posts:5219
| | 03/10/2003 1:58 AM |
| | also drinking a 2001 snoqualmie chenin blanc that isn't bad. kudos to my neighbors to the north! | | | |
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Jeremy Matthew
Barrel Sampler
Posts:2067
| | 03/11/2003 3:24 AM |
| Cheers Tbird,
I'll see if I can get some. Afterall I know someone at Chalone so maybe maybe.... | | | |
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