Winemaker Notes
Dashe Cellars, founded in 1996, blends Anne's classic French winemaking training with the experience Michael has gained at Ridge Vineyards, Far Niente and Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Together, the Dashes' strive to create authentic, site-focused wines that capture the charm and personality of top, independent vineyards throughout Sonoma County and beyond. In 2007, Michael and Anne started a new series of wines that they dubbed "Les Enfants Terribles", wines that were inspired by many of the French wines they admire, with balance, complexity, lower alcohols, beautiful fruit aromatics and velvety textures. These easy-to drink and expressive wines are a great complement to their lineup of classic "signature wines".
The vineyards just inland from the Sacramento River Delta, along the deep banks of the Sacramento River, comprise the Clarksburg AVA. The River Delta channels in cold air and fog from the Pacific Ocean creating a cooling effect in this area. Warm summer days quickly change to chilly evenings and make a great environment for grape growing. While a range of grape varieties grow here, Chenin blanc stands out the most, distinguishing itself in the appellation.
The Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, made up of nearly 50 grower members and over a dozen wineries, has been working since the late 1980s to promote the high quality wine of its region.
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.