2015 Wind Gap Chenin Blanc, 12-bottle Lot

Wind Gap is the latest enterprise of winemaker Pax Mahle and his wife Pamela. The pair were previously part owners of the Sonoma Winery Pax Wine Cellars, but after a falling out with the majority owner, the couple left and started Wind Gap in 2006. The couple sources their grapes from Napa Valley, the Sonoma coast and Paso Robles. Their aim, they say, is to make "honest, authentic and compelling wines from special vineyard sites." While at Pax Wine Cellars, Pax Mahle was considered an up-and-coming maker of artisanal wines. At Wind Gap Mahle continues his enthusiasm for French influenced winemaking and the occasional foray into off-beat varietals, such as Trousseau Gris, a white wine grape grown primarily in France’s Jura region and more recently in select California vineyards. Wind Gap also makes Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Grenache, all of which earn compliments from reviewers. Wine Advocate has written that Wind Gap wines “are some of the most gorgeous, nuanced wines being made in California today…. (the) wines achieve that elusive balanced of depth without excess heaviness.”

North Coast AVA includes California’s most prestigious sub-appellations and vineyards. The three million acre area includes vineyards in six counties north of San Francisco and nearly 50 sub-appellations. The Napa Valley and Sonoma County AVAs are just two of the renowned sub-appellations included in the North Coast designation, which also includes the AVAs Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Stag’s Leap and Rutherford, which are all among the most acclaimed wine producing districts in California. The North Coast AVA designation is generally used for wines made by blending grapes grown in several counties or AVAs. The appellation includes part of the counties of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Marin, Solano and Lake.

This light-bodied white wine grape has zest and versatility depending on its style. It is grown extensively in South Africa, where wineries produce dry wines. Traditional French Chenin Blancs are sweet. It is closest to Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.