Thacher Own Rooted Chenin Blanc 2022
Thacher Own Rooted Chenin Blanc 2022
Shell Creek Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles, California
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Tasting Notes
Indulge in the elegance of the 2022 Thacher Own Rooted Chenin Blanc from Shell Creek Vineyard in the Highlands District of Paso Robles, California. Crafted from 50-year-old vines, this 100% Chenin Blanc showcases the true essence of its terroir. With only 358 cases produced and bottled in August 2023, each sip is a rare treasure to be savored.
Upon opening, aromas of lemon curd, crushed wet stone, honeysuckle, and chamomile dance gracefully from the glass. First impression flavors reveal notes of nectarine fruit leather, lychee, and honeydew melon, As the wine evolves in the glass, tightly wound flavors of pear flesh, fresh citrus and pineapple, wet wool, and crushed rocks emerge, adding layers of complexity to this already enchanting experience. This wine is defined by its rockin' acidity and succulent texture, leading to a lengthy, silky finish that leaves you craving another pour. This bottling delivering a symphony of flavors that linger long after the last sip. -
Story
Since 2004, Thacher Winery has been a beacon of handcrafted excellence in Paso Robles, showcasing the superb fruit of the Central Coast's vineyards. With a focus on small-lot productions, each bottle is a testament to the local subtleties and terroir that define the region. Today, their total production hovers around 5000 cases, all created with low intervention and native ferments, ensuring that each sip embodies the essence of the vineyard. Thacher Winery's mission is clear: to cultivate unique and food-friendly wines that captivate the senses and elevate any dining experience.
The story of Thacher Winery is one of passion and serendipity. Sherman, once an award-winning brewmaster in Southern California, and Michelle, a graduate of UCSB, found themselves drawn together in the heart of Paso Robles. It was during an evening of barrel sampling that they realized Paso Robles was where they truly belonged. After marrying in 1998 and welcoming three children into the world, the Thachers made the bold decision to leave Santa Cruz behind and embrace their destiny in Paso Robles. In July 2006, they made the move, and by 2008, Thacher Winery had opened its doors, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their family's journey. Today, Thacher Winery remains a testament to their shared vision and dedication, still family-owned and operated, continuing to craft exceptional wines that reflect the spirit of Paso Robles.
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Somm Notes
Tightly wound aromas of pear flesh, Key lime peel, wet wool and crushed rocks show on the nose of this bottling from own-rooted vines. It's zippy and fresh on the palate, where pineapple rind, fresh citrus and ample wet stone flavors align. — Matt Kettmann (93 pts WE)
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Region
In the southeastern corner of Paso Robles AVA lies the captivating winegrowing region of the Highlands District. Spanning over 60,300 acres, this area boasts a unique terroir shaped by its distinct soils and climatic conditions. The alluvial soils, featuring a blend of old leached alkaline soils and younger sandy soils along active streams, provide a fertile foundation for vineyards to thrive. Notably, French Camp Vineyard, one of the largest in Paso Robles, calls this district home, alongside other historic vineyards like Shell Creek and Shandon Hills. The region's elevation, ranging from 1,160 to 2,086 feet, coupled with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, creates a microclimate characterized by significant diurnal temperature swings. This climatic phenomenon contributes to the development of grapes with robust flavor profiles, while retaining a refreshing natural acidity, making it ideal for cultivating exceptional varieties such as Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Valdiguie.
The Highlands District's landscape is as diverse as its wines, encompassing vast expanses of grasslands, high ridges adorned with scattered pine trees, and lower hills dissected by canyons and arroyos. Despite its arid climate, the region benefits from the double rain shadow effect created by the nearby Santa Lucia and La Panza ranges, resulting in less precipitation compared to neighboring areas. The soils, predominantly sandy loam and clay loams, with subsoils cemented by calcium carbonate, present both challenges and opportunities for viticulture. While vines may initially struggle in these conditions, the resulting struggle enhances vine vigor and yields intensely rich fruit after the first 5-10 years. With warm summer days tempered by cool evening breezes, the Highlands District offers an ideal environment for grape cultivation, producing wines of exceptional quality and complexity that reflect the unique characteristics of this distinctive terroir.