- 91 points -

(from four old vineyards in Yakima, planted in 1978 and 1979; done entirely in stainless steel): Pale, bright yellow. Lovely lift to the aromas and flavors of orange, lemon, ginger, shiso leaf and flowers. Dense but racy wine with a cooler note of pink grapefruit and a suggestion of botrytis (but just two grams per liter residual sugar). Turns more citrussy and dry on the dusty, building back end. This should age well on its sound acidity. (Clubb noted that he has never acidified his Chenin Blanc because this fruit comes in last, with the highest natural acidity.) Really terrific texture and fruit here, in the style of a just off-dry Vouvray. I'd like to come back to this impressive wine in a couple years.

- 90 points -

Best Buy

L'Ecole has been carrying the banner for Washington Chenin high since 1987. Coming from vineyards planted in 1978 and 1979, the aromas are fresh and lively, with notes of sliced pear, passion fruit, flower and apple. The palate is full in feel and redolent with fruit flavors that sail on the finish...

- 90 points -

Bright, sleek and distinctive, with pineapple, grapefruit and mineral flavors set against a tiny dose of sweetness. Has elegance and persistence. Drink now through 2017.

- 90 points -

All of the sources for this chenin are from late-1970s plantings, and it seems you can taste the vine maturity in this balanced white, the spiced apple and lemon-peel flavors given a bit of brightness and lift from a pithy, gathering phenolic bite. An elegant white for pork loin.

Vous hachez menu le fenouil et le poireau sautés, puis déglacez avec un jet de Ricard, le tout déposé en papillote avec lamelles de pomme de terre au côté d’une truite fraîche, et hop ! Voilà ce chenin blanc lui chatouillant les ouïes pour mieux l’étoffer sur le plan des textures. Rondeur, vinosité et caractère. Servir bien frais.

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