2025 Pine Ridge - Chenin Blanc Viognier California (750ml)

Pine Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1978 by Gary and Nancy Andrus in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District. Gary planted his first vines on a steep, terraced hillside beneath a ridgeline of pines, which gave the winery its name. Today Pine Ridge farms estate vineyards in five Napa Valley appellations and is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon. Even so, one of its most popular wines is a white. Andrus created Chenin Blanc + Viognier as an experiment in 1995, and the 2025 release is the blend’s thirtieth vintage. Winemaker Josh Widaman now runs the program.

This California white blend is 80% Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg, a Sacramento Delta appellation known as the “Gem of the Delta,” and 20% Viognier from Lodi, where cooling Delta breezes help the grapes keep their natural acidity. The Chenin Blanc was picked at low sugar levels for bright fruit and moderate alcohol. The riper Viognier adds floral spice and a rounder texture. The wine was fermented cold and aged in stainless steel to keep it fresh.

Aromas of kiwi, Meyer lemon and fresh melon mix with honeysuckle, lemon verbena, apricot and mandarin. The palate is zippy and refreshing, with a soft, plush start from the Viognier, clean minerality and a hint of black pepper on the finish. Serve it chilled as an aperitif or with spicy dishes.