Zeitgeist Cellars St. Helena Chenin Blanc 2022
We have 9 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
- Land: Zeitgeist Cellars' St. Helena Chenin Blanc 2022 comes from a rare parcel in St. Helena, Napa Valley, where Chenin Blanc has become scarce, dwindling from over 2000 acres in the 1980s to just 16 acres today. This heritage white grape variety, once prevalent across California, offers a unique glimpse into the state's viticultural past and its evolving present.
- Wine: The ninth bottling from Zeitgeist Cellars, this Chenin Blanc was harvested on September 1, 2022. It underwent fermentation and was aged sur lie in used French Oak barrels for eight months, contributing to its expressive style. The 2022 vintage showcases zest, daphne blossom, and lavender on the nose, with a palate of smooth honey, mandarin, and nectarine, embodying a confident, savory, and perfumed profile that's both complex and approachable.
- People: Zeitgeist Cellars is the brainchild of winemakers Jennifer Williams and Mark Porembski, whose partnership thrives on their varied taste profiles and collaborative spirit. Jennifer, with her agricultural background from Cal Poly and extensive experience in Napa and Spain, brings a deep understanding of viticulture and winemaking. Mark, who transitioned from a literary background to winemaking, contributes his diverse experiences from Napa Valley to New Zealand. Together, they focus on creating pure and delightful wines that reflect their meticulous, hands-on approach and the essence of their combined experiences.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
Weather shipping advisory: Orders placed during times of extreme heat or extreme cold will be held for no charge until more favorable weather returns.
Napa Valley, a narrow strip of land in Northern California, is one of the world's most renowned wine regions. Its history dates back to the mid-19th century, but its rise to international prominence began in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly after the famous 1976 "Judgment of Paris" tasting, where Napa wines triumphed over French counterparts. Geographically, the valley is roughly 30 miles long and a few miles wide, running north-south, bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Range to the east. The climate varies significantly from south to north: the southern end, near San Pablo Bay and including the Carneros region, is cooler, influenced by fog and breezes, while the northern end, near Calistoga, experiences much warmer temperatures. This gradient, along with the distinction between the fertile valley floor and the rugged mountain vineyards, contributes to a diversity of growing conditions, allowing for a wide range of grape varieties, though Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme.
California - Napa Valley
Chenin Blanc, celebrated for its high acidity and versatility, finds its most iconic expressions in the Loire Valley of France and the sun-drenched vineyards of South Africa. In the Loire Valley, it's the backbone of an array of styles, from vibrant, dry whites to lusciously sweet wines, showcasing the grape's remarkable ability to reflect terroir and respond to winemaking techniques. Meanwhile, South Africa has embraced Chenin Blanc, locally known as Steen, producing wines that range from fresh and fruity to complex and age-worthy, further cementing the grape's global appeal and adaptability.
