Inglenook Blancaneaux - Napa Valley 2021
Blancaneaux, Inglenook's preeminent white wine
Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, Inglenook remains the crown jewel of the Napa Valley under the stewardship of the Coppola family. The property has been bought by Francis Ford Coppola in the 1970’s and the wine is made by Philippe Bascaules, General Director of Château Margaux. The latter successfully carried out the construction of new technical facilities, enabling the teams to achieve even greater precision in the winemaking process.
Produced since 1999 as a partner to Rubicon, Inglenook’s premier red wine, Blancaneaux is a blend of three estate-grown white Rhône varieties. Marsanne and Roussanne contribute body and minerality, while Viognier adds intense aromas of tropical fruits. These varieties are grown in vineyard blocks that enjoy full morning sun but are in the cooling shadow of Mount St. John by mid-afternoon. Like Rubicon, Blancaneaux doesn't describe any one grape personality but speaks volumes about the Inglenook terroir that contributes to its range of nuanced flavors, dense palate, and mix of aromatic interests.
The 2021 vintageWeather conditionsThe 2021 vintage began with January and February rains, providing ample soil moisture in time to ensure a healthy bud break. Throughout the rest of the season, excellent conditions created gradual ripening of our white Rhône grapes. All three varieties, beginning with Viognier and ending with Roussanne, were hand-harvested at perfect maturity over a 10-day period, beginning on August 23rd. Practicing organic farming since the 1980s, Inglenook was one of the first Napa Valley vineyards to be certified organic in 1994.
Experimentation is embedded in Inglenook’s DNA, and within this ongoing evaluation, considerations of climate change, vine age, vintage and other factors reiterate that an estate of Inglenook’s caliber and quality is forever a work-in-progress.
Tasting notes
The 2021 Blancaneaux, with its pale gold color, leads with aromas of honey, white peach, and pomelo. Fresh on the palate, with absolute purity of flavor, a lingering minerality carries the wine through a long aromatic finish. This promises to be an eminently ageable vintage. Pair Inglenook’s 2021 Blancaneaux with cheeses and charcuterie inspired by those curated by our Estate Chef, Alex Lovick and celebrate with loved ones.