Reviews & Ratings

2011 Navarro Vineyards Chenin Blanc "Mendocino"

Winery: Navarro Vineyards

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Mendocino"

Wine Category: Chenin Blanc

Grape blend: 81% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay & 9% Sauvignon Blanc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Mendocino

State or country: CA

Price: $13

Cases produced: 976

KWG Score: 89 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: April 11, 2012

Wine Review: Are you looking for a really good value white wine? If so, call Navarro and order a case of this wine. It is Very Good. It is almost clear colored and opens with fragrant and appealing ripe pear bouquet with a hint of clementine. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, crisp and displays plenty of acidity that mellows with air. The flavor profile is a very nice blend of lots of flavors. I detected Bosc pear, green apple, lime, and white pepper. I also got some hints of pineapple and minerality as well. The finish is dry and its acidity is present here as well. I would pair this wine swordfish kabobs off the grill this summer. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Last year we told you that the Young's vineyard had been sold. We have since learned that the new owners wish to use the grapes themselves in the future, so this is Navarro's 15th and last vintage from these sixty year old vines. Chenin Blanc is a wine with high acidity and a delicate stonefruit flavor profile, it was used by North Coast pioneer grape growers as a workhorse grape. So if you are a Navarro Chenin Blanc fan, this is the time to stock up since we have not yet found another source of old vines of this variety. This vintage has a flavor profile of lime, tropical fruit and a touch of grapefruit.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Navarro 2011 Chenin Blanc.