Birichino Jurassic Park Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2015
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We are delighted to release our third vintage from what are considered old vines in Southern California: 33 year-old vine chenin planted in the Late Disco era on its own roots at 1100’ elevation. This sandy, rocky dinosaur boneyard vineyard has rapidly become one of the more sought-after sites for this noble variety on the Left Coast, and has the unusual atmospheric element of being surrounded by an active oilfield, suggesting deep geologic origins for its focused, mineral aspect. Harvested before dawn on August 27th, this is perhaps the most tightly-wound vintage we’ve yet produced from the site, and we expect it to be drinking beautifully for a number of years. Fermentation with indigenous yeast took place in stainless, and élevage sur lie continued through the spring in stainless and neutral French oak barrels.
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Decanter
Made from old vines planted on a vineyard site where dinosaur bones have been found, located at an altitude of over 300 metres where the vines benefit from day time fog and cool nights. With natural yeasts, ageing sur lie and maturation in neutral barrels, this Chenin Blanc has mineral notes on the nose, a smooth palate and a dry, stony finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Very light on the nose, this bottling from 37-year-old vines shows squeezed lemon wedge, chilled Asian pear, hints of jicama and white rose petals on the nose. The citrusy palate is driven by a grapefruit pith flavor and enhanced with a touch of chalk. The texture is compellingly grippy.
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.