Haarmeyer Cellars "St. Rey SRV" Chenin Blanc 2020

Direct Press Selection | December 2021 Press 4 Mix Press 4 White It's not a secret that we are big fans of Craig Haarmeyer's wines. His "St. Rey" bottlings represent not only thoughtful farming and winemaking, but are also some the best values in California natural wine. Sutter Ranch Vineyard, located in Southernmost part of the Clarksburg AVA, is unique for its sandy soils and marine winds that flow through the vines, creating a cooler climate than expected for this area of California. Craig makes several passes through this vineyard during harvest season - some for acidity, some for ripeness, some for Botrytis. The resultant wine is ridiculously good, and hits all the notes that fans of Loire Valley Chenin often miss in American renditions of the grape - aromas of baked apple, hazelnut and just a little cheese rind, with notes of juicy lemon, ripe pear and honey. Bright, zesty and oh so drinkable. [Kirk Sutherland, December 2021]