Navarro Vineyards - 2023 Pinot Blanc

2023 Pinot Blanc
Anderson Valley, Mendocino
- (750 ml) $21.00

Expanding footprint

Pinot Blanc is a mutation of Pinot Gris, itself a variation of Pinot Noir—a family tree with a penchant for genetic surprises. Like their Noir cousin, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc boast small berries, although their clusters are larger and bear more grapes. Where are standout Pinot Blanc wines grown? Look no further than Alsace, France and Alto Adige, Italy—the historic pros in crafting these wines. At Navarro, we've pragmatically divided our Pinot Blanc plantings into two blocks. One features clone ENTAV 54, a French Alsatian choice, while the other opts for FPS 6, originally from northern Italy. In 2023, we added a third block with clone ENTAV 54, but spiced things up with a different rootstock for a more complex offering. The winemaking process involves destemming, pressing and cool-fermenting the two blocks separately in stainless steel casks.

The rows were laid out with line posts and rebar planting stakes.

Planting Pinot Blanc in 2016. Because Navarro's Pinot Blanc rows are lengthy, an aisleway was constructed to divide the long rows into two shorter ones to make hand operations easier.

Then, the wine spends four months aging in neutral French oak barrels. The result? A crisp wine with a mineral touch. Clone ENTAV 54—62% of this bottling—brings a bright lemony quality, while clone FPS 6 adds tropical notes. The high natural acidity makes it a perfect companion for seafood or cheese. We're pleased that Navarro is expanding the geographic footprint of this distinctive branch of Pinot. Platinum Medal-winner. Best of Show. 96 points.

A year later, the vines are peeking out of the grow tubes.

Specifications

Harvested: Sept. 23, 2023
Sugars at harvest: 22.2° Brix
Bottled: Feb. 27, 2024
Cases produced: 957
Alcohol: 13.3 %
Titratable acidity: 7.4 g/L
pH: 3.18

2022 Pinot Blanc, Anderson Valley

94 Points. “Here’s another variety that should be more widely planted in California – in select spots, of course. This comes from Anderson Valley, home of an annual Alsatian Festival, so it seems a natural, but I believe Navarro is the only winery there that is producing a varietally designated bottling. In the hands of Navarro’s winemaking team, it’s a can’t miss proposition. I’m guessing a tip or to has been picked up from the Alsace winemakers that visit each year, as this is spot on. A true delight!” —Rich Cook, Wine Review Online

“Fresh and expressive with appealing pear and peach fruit as well as some citrus freshness. Lovely energy here with a delicate spiciness as well as some floral fruit. Primary and delicious. 91/100” —Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com

2021 Pinot Blanc, Mendocino

92 points. “A smooth texture and lively honeydew melon and spiced apple flavors give this tempting, medium- bodied wine a generous fruitiness along with good balance. Light butter and baguette nuances develop with more sipping.” —Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

2020 Pinot Blanc, Mendocino

90 points. “This lively, well-balanced and citrus-scented wine rides on good acidity, a rather light body and plenty of energizing lemon and lime flavors subtly accented by toasted nuts.” —Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

2019 Pinot Blanc, Mendocino

92 points. “This very pale straw-colored Pinot Blanc from Navarro opens with a papaya and lemon verbena bouquet with hints lychee and bee’s wax mixed in as well. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with plus acidity and has a lush mouthfeel. The flavor profile is a gentle papaya and Bosc pear blend with notes of clover honey. We also detected hints of apricot, almond and tangerine. The finish is dry and refreshing. The Panel suggested pairing this Pinot Blanc with a scallop and pasta dish with an orange cream sauce, fettuccini alfredo, or pan-fried tilapia. Enjoy.” —Ken’s Wine Guide, October 12, 2020

2015 Pinot Blanc

The Navarro Vineyards 2015 Mendocino County Pinot Blanc won Best of Show White as well as Best of Mendocino County. The dry white wine from the well-known Anderson Valley producer is popular in the Alsace region of eastern France, and Navarro specializes in aromatic, Alsatian varietals. “It is a wine meant to be consumed young and fresh,” said Deborah Cahn, owner of Navarro Vineyards. The judges called the aromatic wine “floral and pretty” with a nose that “follows into the palate.> DIANE PETERSON, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT, April 15, 2016.

2014 Pinot Blanc

“Exceptional” “2014 Navarro Pinot Blanc, Mendocino County ($14): Striking aroma of minerals, light peach, and a trace of blossoms lead to a superb mid-palate—dramatic testament to this rare grape’s world-class status. From a fine vineyard near Ukiah. One of the top white wine values in the world! To order: 800-537-9463. Note: An entire case is $149, or just over $12 a bottle, an amazing bargain! Tasted double-blind.” Dave Ruiz> Dan Berger, Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences, April 9, 2015.

2013 Pinot Blanc

This pale straw colored Pinot Blanc is a steal at $15! It opens with an attractive mild peach bouquet with a hint of tangerine and wet stone. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is a very tasty green apple with notes of nicely integrated minerality and hints of Anjou pear and mandarin orange. The finish is dry and its flavors and acidity last for quite some time after the wine is gone. This Pinot Blanc would pair well with grilled halibut. Enjoy – Ken (Winery Direct)> Ken Hoggins, www.KensWineGuide.com, May 10, 2014.

2012 Pinot Blanc

This is Navarro's first release of Pinot Blanc. Wow, they are off to a really good start. It is almost clear colored and opens with a mild pear bouquet with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is a tasty green apple with notes of minerality and Anjou pear. The finish is dry and its flavors linger for quite some time. I would pair this very good wine with Emeril's crab cakes. Enjoy - Kenb> Ken Hoggins, www.KensWineGuide.com, August 11, 2013.