The 1995 GAN EDEN Chenin Blanc was produced in a
dry, but very fruity, style from Lake County grapes harvested
from Quail Brook Vineyard and Anderson Vineyard. Very little
Chenin Blanc is grown in Lake County, due to its low price
relative to other white grapes, but we think you will agree that
the quality of the grapes, judging from the wine produced from
them, is excellent.
Our original intent was to produce a late harvested Chenin Blanc from high brix grapes; however, 1995 turned out to be an extremely long, cold growing season, and the grapes simply did not reach the expected degree of ripeness. At 22°Brix, the grapes were best vinified in a dry style, in stainless steel. Unlike some other dry Chenins from California, this wine never saw oak. Its abundant fruit and perfect balance impressed the judges at the California State Fair, where it won "Best Chenin Blanc" honors for the North Coast appellations. It has won numerous medals so far in competition, but hasn't been entered in several years..
GAN EDEN was established in the spring of 1985 in the Green Valley viticultural district of Sonoma County. This is the first Chenin Blanc we have produced since 1987. The 1985 and 1987 GAN EDEN Chenin Blancs took a considerable number of medals, but Chenin Blanc was discontinued due to lack of demand. We feel that Chenin Blanc is one of the finest and most engaging grape varieties available. As a late harvest wine, it can rival any other varietal, and can make truly great wines. As a table wine, its high fruit levels and sheer taste appeal make it more versatile than any other white varietal, for a wider range of uses.
Winemaker's Comments
This wine has a beautiful floral character. Our GAN EDEN 1995 Chenin Blanc is delicious by itself, as an aperitif, with white pastas, fish or poultry, or as a picnic style wine. Its versatility and appealing character make it a "must have" in my cellar. While I normally drink Cabernet Sauvignon with most meats, poultry and rich pastas, I enjoy this wine with most food, especially Asian specialties. A bit on the tired side in 2002, but it still tastes good, though complexity has overshadowed the fruit component at this stage.
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