Inglenook Blancaneaux - Napa Valley 2022
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.
Discover the Inglenook Winery on video: https://youtu.be/vq15XxH0nwk
The 2022 Vintage:
The 2022 vintage unfolded gracefully as the soil retained moisture from early rains. The reduced need for extensive irrigation resulted in healthy canopies followed by early bloom and veraison. Mild July temperatures and classically cool Napa Valley Summer nights preserved the freshness and acidity in our Rhône varietals. The warmth of August contributed to achieving optimal ripeness at harvest which commenced with our Saddle Viognier on August 19th and concluded with Rousanne from our Apple block on September 8th. Practicing organic farming since the 1980’s, Inglenook is 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:
At the forefront of this wine, there is a distinctive note of wet stone, offering a pleasantly restrained reduction that sets the stage for a nuanced sensory journey. As the wine unfolds, it reveals a delicate bouquet of floral aromas, with hints of honeysuckle and gardenia imparting a graceful allure. Following suit are subtle yet enticing fruit notes, including the bright zest of lemon, the succulent sweetness of honeydew, and the luscious essence of yellow peach. Together, these layers create a beautifully orchestrated symphony of scents, delivering a wellbalanced and intricate experience that captures the essence of both earth and blossom.